The University operates on the semester system with the academic year divided into fall, spring and summer semesters which are also called terms. Fall semesters are 16 weeks long and start in August and end in December. Spring semesters are 16 weeks long and begin in January and end in May. The 16 week semester is inclusive of the final exams week. Summer terms are 8 weeks long during the months of June and July.

Sessions are scheduled within a semester/term and may have a duration other than 16 or 8 weeks. Courses are occasionally offered during the periods between semesters/terms in January, May, and August. These periods are called intersessions.

Professional and graduate programs may adhere to different academic calendars with the permission of the Provost.

Please refer to https://calendar.umkc.edu/academic-calendar/ for the most up-to-date academic calendar.