Western illinois university academic calendar – Western Illinois University’s academic calendar is an indispensable tool for students, faculty, and staff. It provides a comprehensive overview of important dates and deadlines throughout the academic year, ensuring that everyone is aware of key milestones and events. This guide will delve into the intricacies of the academic calendar, providing you with all the information you need to stay organized and on track.
The Western Illinois University academic calendar Artikels the start and end dates for each semester, including fall, spring, and summer sessions. It also includes deadlines for registration, add/drop, and withdrawal, as well as exam schedules and holiday breaks. By understanding these key dates, you can plan your academic journey effectively and avoid any potential disruptions.
Academic Calendar Overview
The academic calendar at Western Illinois University (WIU) Artikels the important dates and deadlines for each semester. It provides students, faculty, and staff with a comprehensive overview of the academic year, including the start and end dates of classes, exam periods, holidays, and registration deadlines.The academic calendar is divided into two semesters: fall and spring.
The fall semester typically begins in late August and ends in mid-December, while the spring semester starts in mid-January and concludes in early May. Each semester is approximately 15 weeks long.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The academic calendar includes key dates and deadlines for each semester, such as:
- Start and end dates of classes
- Exam periods
- Holidays
- Registration deadlines
- Drop/add deadlines
- Withdrawal deadlines
These dates are important for students to be aware of, as they can impact their academic progress. For example, students who miss the registration deadline may have to pay a late fee or may not be able to get into the classes they want.
Similarly, students who miss the drop/add deadline may not be able to change their schedules.The academic calendar is an essential tool for students, faculty, and staff at Western Illinois University. It provides a clear overview of the academic year and helps everyone stay on track.
Semester Dates

Western Illinois University follows a semester-based academic calendar. Each semester has a specific start and end date, with slight variations for fall, spring, and summer sessions.
It’s important to note that these dates may be subject to change, so always refer to the official academic calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Fall Semester
- Typically starts in late August or early September
- Ends in mid-December
Spring Semester
- Typically starts in mid-January
- Ends in early May
Summer Session
The summer session is divided into two terms:
- Summer Term 1:Usually starts in late May and ends in mid-July
- Summer Term 2:Usually starts in mid-July and ends in mid-August
Deadlines and Consequences: Western Illinois University Academic Calendar

Meeting registration, add/drop, and withdrawal deadlines is crucial for your academic success. Missing these deadlines can result in financial penalties, academic implications, and may affect your ability to graduate on time.
The table below provides the deadlines for each semester:
| Semester | Registration Deadline | Add/Drop Deadline | Withdrawal Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | August 15 | September 15 | November 1 |
| Spring | January 15 | February 15 | April 1 |
| Summer | May 15 | June 15 | July 1 |
Consequences of Missing Deadlines
Missing registration deadlines may result in late fees or the inability to register for desired courses. Missing add/drop deadlines may result in a “W” grade on your transcript, which can affect your GPA. Missing withdrawal deadlines may result in failing grades or academic probation.
Scenarios for Add/Drop or Withdrawal
You may need to add/drop or withdraw from courses for various reasons, such as:
- Schedule conflicts
- Course overload
- Academic difficulties
- Personal or financial reasons
Appealing a Missed Deadline
If you have a valid reason for missing a deadline, you can appeal to the Registrar’s Office. Your appeal should include documentation supporting your reason and an explanation of why you were unable to meet the deadline. The likelihood of approval depends on the circumstances and the documentation provided.
Online Registration
Online registration is available for all students. Deadlines for completing online registration are the same as those for in-person registration.
Exam Schedules
Exam schedules are an important part of academic life at Western Illinois University. They provide students with the dates and times of their final exams, as well as information on exam locations and policies.
It is important to be aware of the exam schedule for your semester and to plan your study time accordingly. Final exams are typically worth a significant percentage of your final grade, so it is important to make sure that you are prepared for them.
Exam Dates and Times
The exam schedule for each semester is published on the Western Illinois University website. The schedule includes the dates and times of all final exams, as well as the locations of the exams.
Final exams are typically held during the last week of classes. The specific dates and times of your exams will vary depending on your course schedule.
Exam Locations
Final exams are typically held in the same classroom where the course is taught. However, some exams may be held in a different location, such as a lecture hall or auditorium.
The location of your exam will be listed on the exam schedule. If you are unsure of where your exam is being held, you should contact your professor.
Exam Policies
There are a number of policies that govern final exams at Western Illinois University. These policies include:
- No electronic devices are allowed during exams.
- Calculators are only allowed in exams where they are specifically permitted.
- Students must bring a valid photo ID to their exams.
- Students must arrive on time for their exams.
- Students who are late for their exams may not be allowed to take the exam.
If you have any questions about the exam policies, you should contact your professor.
Percentage of Final Grade
The percentage of your final grade that each exam is worth varies depending on the course. However, final exams are typically worth a significant percentage of your final grade.
The percentage of your final grade that each exam is worth will be listed on the course syllabus.
Accommodations
Western Illinois University provides accommodations for students with disabilities. If you have a disability that requires accommodations, you should contact the Disability Services office.
The Disability Services office will work with you to determine what accommodations you need and will provide you with a letter that you can give to your professors.
More Information
For more information about exam schedules and policies, please visit the Western Illinois University website.
Holidays and Breaks

Western Illinois University recognizes a variety of official holidays and breaks throughout the academic year. These breaks provide students, faculty, and staff with designated periods of rest and time away from academic responsibilities. The university’s academic schedule is adjusted accordingly to accommodate these breaks, including cancellations or adjustments to class schedules, assignment deadlines, and exam dates.
Holiday and Break Schedule
The following table provides an overview of the key official holidays and breaks observed by Western Illinois University, along with their specific dates and durations:| Holiday/Break | Dates | Duration | Impact on Academic Schedule ||—|—|—|—|| Labor Day | First Monday in September | 3 days | Classes canceled || Thanksgiving Break | Wednesday before Thanksgiving to Sunday after Thanksgiving | 5 days | Classes canceled || Winter Break | Two weeks starting the week before Christmas | 14 days | Classes canceled, final exams completed before break || Spring Break | One week in March | 7 days | Classes canceled |During these breaks, classes are typically canceled, and university offices may have reduced hours or be closed.
Students are expected to use these breaks to rest, recharge, and catch up on academic work if needed. Faculty and staff are generally expected to refrain from scheduling major assignments, exams, or events during these periods.
University Policies and Procedures
Western Illinois University has established policies and procedures to guide faculty and staff in scheduling events and assignments around holidays and breaks. These guidelines are designed to ensure that students have adequate time to rest and prepare for their academic responsibilities.For example, the university recommends that faculty avoid scheduling major exams or assignments on the first day back from a break.
Additionally, faculty are encouraged to provide students with ample notice of any assignments or events that may be due around holiday periods.Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the university’s academic calendar and holiday schedule to plan their academic work and personal commitments accordingly.
By adhering to these policies and procedures, Western Illinois University aims to create a balanced and supportive academic environment for all members of the university community.
Special Events
Western Illinois University hosts various special events throughout the academic year, providing opportunities for students to engage in campus life, celebrate achievements, and connect with the community. These events include orientation, commencement, and guest lectures, among others.
Students are encouraged to participate in these events to enhance their academic and social experiences. Some events may have deadlines or registration requirements, so it’s important to check the university’s website or consult with the relevant departments for specific details.
Orientation
- Dates: Typically held before the start of each semester
- Purpose: To welcome new students to the university and provide them with information and resources to ensure a smooth transition
- Activities: May include campus tours, academic advising, social events, and workshops
Commencement
- Dates: Typically held in May and December
- Purpose: To celebrate the achievements of graduating students and confer degrees
- Activities: May include a formal ceremony, speeches, and recognition of student accomplishments
Guest Lectures
- Dates: Throughout the academic year
- Purpose: To bring renowned experts and professionals to campus to share their knowledge and perspectives on various topics
- Activities: May include lectures, workshops, and panel discussions
Special Events Table
The following table provides a summary of special events at Western Illinois University, including dates, times, locations, and brief descriptions:
| Date | Time | Location | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 20-22, 2023 | Varies | Various campus locations | New Student Orientation | Welcome and information sessions for new students |
| May 12, 2024 | 10:00 AM | Western Hall | Commencement Ceremony | Celebration of graduating students and conferral of degrees |
| October 11, 2023 | 3:00 PM | Saluki Center | Guest Lecture: Climate Change and Its Impact on the Midwest | Lecture by Dr. Sarah Smith, renowned climate scientist |
Academic Policies
The academic calendar establishes policies that guide students’ academic progress and responsibilities. These policies ensure consistency, fairness, and academic integrity.
Adherence to these policies is essential for academic success. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the policies and seek clarification from faculty or academic advisors if needed.
Attendance Requirements
Regular class attendance is expected and may be a factor in grading. Faculty members set specific attendance policies for their courses, which may include penalties for excessive absences.
- In some courses, attendance may be taken daily and absences may affect the final grade.
- Other courses may have a more flexible attendance policy, but students are still expected to attend regularly to stay up-to-date with the material.
Grading Deadlines
Faculty members establish deadlines for submitting assignments and completing coursework. These deadlines are typically included in the course syllabus.
- Late submissions may result in penalties, such as a reduction in grade or even a failing grade.
- Students are responsible for meeting these deadlines and should plan accordingly.
Course Withdrawal Procedures
Students may withdraw from a course during the designated withdrawal period, as Artikeld in the academic calendar. The withdrawal process involves completing the necessary paperwork and obtaining the instructor’s signature.
- Withdrawing from a course before the deadline typically results in a “W” grade on the transcript.
- Withdrawing after the deadline may result in a failing grade.
Academic Support Services
Western Illinois University provides a wide range of academic support services to help students succeed academically. These services include tutoring, writing centers, math labs, supplemental instruction, and academic advising.These services can help students improve their understanding of course material, develop better study habits, and connect with peers and instructors.
For example, students who use tutoring services have been shown to improve their grades by an average of one letter grade.
Tutoring
The WIU Tutoring Center provides free tutoring services to all students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects, including math, science, writing, and business. Students can sign up for tutoring online or by visiting the Tutoring Center in the University Union.
Writing Centers
The WIU Writing Center provides free writing assistance to all students. Writing consultants can help students with all aspects of the writing process, from brainstorming to editing. Students can sign up for a writing consultation online or by visiting the Writing Center in the Knoblauch Library.
Math Labs
The WIU Math Labs provide free math assistance to all students. Math tutors can help students with all levels of math, from basic algebra to calculus. Students can sign up for a math tutoring session online or by visiting the Math Lab in the Knoblauch Library.
Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental instruction (SI) is a free peer-led study program that is available for a variety of courses. SI sessions are led by students who have already taken and excelled in the course. SI leaders help students review course material, practice problems, and prepare for exams.
Academic Advising
Academic advisors help students plan their academic programs and make sure they are on track to graduate. Advisors can also help students with course selection, career planning, and other academic matters. Students can schedule an appointment with an academic advisor online or by visiting the Advising Center in the University Union.
Calendar Customization

Students can personalize their academic calendars using online tools or mobile apps. This customization helps them stay organized, prioritize tasks, and manage their time effectively.
Benefits of Customization
- Personalized Schedule:Students can add classes, assignments, exams, and other events to their calendars, creating a tailored schedule that meets their needs.
- Reminders and Notifications:Apps can send reminders for upcoming events, helping students stay on top of deadlines and appointments.
- Color Coding and Tags:Students can use different colors or tags to categorize events, making it easier to visually track their commitments.
- Integration with Other Tools:Some apps allow students to integrate their academic calendars with other tools, such as email, task managers, and note-taking apps, for a more comprehensive view of their academic life.
Calendar Sharing and Collaboration
The Western Illinois University academic calendar offers several options for sharing and collaborating with classmates, professors, and advisors. Sharing your calendar allows you to coordinate schedules, stay informed about upcoming events, and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Benefits of using shared calendars include:
- Improved communication and coordination
- Reduced scheduling conflicts
- Enhanced time management
- Increased productivity
Sharing Your Calendar
To share your academic calendar, simply follow these steps:
- Log in to your Western Illinois University account.
- Navigate to the Academic Calendar page.
- Click on the “Share” button.
- Enter the email addresses of the people you want to share your calendar with.
- Click on the “Send” button.
Collaborating on a Shared Calendar
Once you have shared your calendar, others can view and edit it. To collaborate on a shared calendar, simply follow these steps:
- Log in to your Western Illinois University account.
- Navigate to the Academic Calendar page.
- Click on the “Shared Calendars” tab.
- Select the calendar you want to collaborate on.
- Make any necessary changes to the calendar.
- Click on the “Save” button.
By sharing and collaborating on your academic calendar, you can stay organized, improve communication, and achieve your academic goals.
Mobile Accessibility
The academic calendar is mobile-friendly, allowing students to easily access it on their smartphones or tablets. This provides students with the flexibility to view their schedules, deadlines, and important dates on the go.
Mobile calendar apps offer several benefits, including:
Features and Benefits
- Push notifications for upcoming events and deadlines
- Sync with other calendars for a comprehensive view of schedules
- Customizable settings to personalize the calendar’s appearance
- Integration with other productivity apps, such as task managers and note-taking apps
Calendar Integration

Integrating the academic calendar with other tools and platforms like Google Calendar or Outlook allows you to stay organized and up-to-date with important academic events. Here’s how you can set up calendar integration:
Google Calendar, Western illinois university academic calendar
- Sign in to your Google account and open Google Calendar.
- Click the “+” icon next to “Other calendars” on the left sidebar.
- Select “Add by URL” and paste the academic calendar URL provided by your institution.
- Click “Add calendar.”
Outlook
- Open Outlook and click the “Calendar” icon.
- Right-click on “My Calendars” and select “Add Calendar.”
- Choose “From internet” and enter the academic calendar URL.
- Click “Add.”
Benefits of Calendar Integration
* Stay organized:See all your academic events, deadlines, and breaks in one place.
Receive reminders
Set up notifications to remind you of upcoming events and deadlines.
Collaborate with others
Share your calendar with classmates or professors to coordinate schedules and avoid conflicts.
Customize your view
Choose which events to display and how they appear in your calendar.| Platform | Steps ||—|—|| Google Calendar | Sign in to Google account > Open Google Calendar > Click “+” icon next to “Other calendars” > Select “Add by URL” > Paste academic calendar URL > Click “Add calendar” || Outlook | Open Outlook > Click “Calendar” icon > Right-click on “My Calendars” > Select “Add Calendar” > Choose “From internet” > Enter academic calendar URL > Click “Add” |
Code Snippet for Google Calendar Integration
“` “`Replace `academic calendar URL` with the URL provided by your institution and `your time zone` with your preferred time zone.
For a comprehensive overview of Western Illinois University’s academic schedule, refer to their official website. If you’re also interested in the academic calendar for another institution, such as lasell academic calendar , make sure to check their website for specific dates and deadlines.
Resources and Further Information

The Western Illinois University academic calendar is a valuable resource for students, faculty, and staff. It provides important information about key dates, deadlines, and events throughout the academic year.
Stay up-to-date with the latest academic events at Western Illinois University by checking out their academic calendar. For more comprehensive information, explore the lsua academic calendar to stay informed about deadlines, holidays, and other important dates. Don’t miss out on any crucial updates; stay organized and plan ahead with the Western Illinois University academic calendar.
Registrar’s Office Contact
- Phone: (309) 298-1818
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.wiu.edu/registrar/
Summary of Main Points
The academic calendar includes the following information:
- Semester dates
- Deadlines and consequences
- Exam schedules
- Holidays and breaks
- Special events
- Academic policies
- Academic support services
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 21, 2023 | Fall semester begins |
| November 23-24, 2023 | Thanksgiving break |
| December 12-16, 2023 | Final exams |
| January 16, 2024 | Spring semester begins |
| March 11-15, 2024 | Spring break |
| May 6-10, 2024 | Final exams |
Tips for Staying Organized
- Mark important dates on your calendar.
- Set reminders for deadlines.
- Create a to-do list of tasks that need to be completed.
- Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
- Take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout.
- Reward yourself for completing tasks.
Conclusion
In summary, the Western Illinois University academic calendar is a valuable resource that helps students, faculty, and staff stay organized and informed throughout the academic year. By familiarizing yourself with the key dates and deadlines, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for upcoming events and avoid any unnecessary stress or confusion.
So, bookmark this guide and refer to it regularly to stay on top of your academic commitments.
FAQ
What is the deadline to register for classes?
The deadline to register for classes varies depending on the semester. Please refer to the academic calendar for specific dates.
What is the process for withdrawing from a course?
To withdraw from a course, you must complete a withdrawal form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. The deadline to withdraw from a course with a “W” grade also varies depending on the semester. Please refer to the academic calendar for specific dates.
Where can I find the exam schedule for my courses?
The exam schedule for your courses can be found on the Registrar’s Office website. You can also access the exam schedule through your myWIU portal.
What is the university policy on holidays and breaks?
Western Illinois University observes several holidays and breaks throughout the academic year. These include Labor Day, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break. During these breaks, classes are canceled, and university offices may be closed. Please refer to the academic calendar for specific dates and any exceptions.
How can I customize my academic calendar?
You can customize your academic calendar using online tools or mobile apps. This allows you to add important dates, events, and reminders to your calendar. By customizing your calendar, you can stay organized and on top of your academic commitments.