Bellevue College provides students with a structured and flexible academic calendar to effectively plan their educational journey. This calendar outlines key dates, deadlines, and events throughout the year, ensuring that students can optimize their learning experience and achieve their academic goals.

Key Features of the Bellevue College Academic Calendar
- Quarter System: Bellevue College operates on a quarter system, with four quarters per academic year. Each quarter typically lasts for 10 weeks, providing a balanced schedule for students.
- Start and End Dates: The fall quarter typically begins in late September and ends in mid-December, while the winter quarter runs from early January to mid-March. The spring quarter starts in mid-April and ends in mid-June, and the summer quarter takes place from late June to mid-August.
- Registration Dates: Registration for each quarter opens several weeks before the start of the quarter. Students should consult the academic calendar for specific registration dates and deadlines.
- Midterm and Final Exams: Midterm exams are typically held in the middle of each quarter, while final exams are scheduled at the end of the quarter. The exact dates for midterm and final exams vary depending on the course and are published in the academic calendar.
- Holidays and Breaks: The academic calendar includes designated holidays and breaks throughout the year, including Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break, and Memorial Day. Students should note that the college is closed during these periods.
Utilizing the Academic Calendar
1. Plan Course Schedule: The academic calendar helps students plan their course schedule for each quarter. By reviewing the course offerings and their availability, students can create a schedule that aligns with their academic goals and availability.
2. Monitor Deadlines: The academic calendar clearly outlines important deadlines for registration, tuition payments, and dropping or adding courses. Adhering to these deadlines ensures that students avoid late fees and penalties.
3. Identify Key Events: Throughout the year, Bellevue College hosts various academic events, including guest lectures, workshops, and career fairs. By consulting the academic calendar, students can identify and attend these events to enhance their learning experience.
4. Prepare for Breaks: The academic calendar provides advance notice of scheduled breaks and holidays. This allows students to plan for academic work, travel, and personal activities during these periods.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Using the Academic Calendar
1. Visit the Bellevue College Website: Navigate to the official Bellevue College website to access the academic calendar.
2. Choose the Current Academic Year: Select the academic year you are interested in from the dropdown menu.
3. Review Important Dates: Go through the calendar to identify key dates, such as quarter start and end dates, registration deadlines, and exam periods.
4. Plan Your Schedule: Use the calendar to plan your course schedule and identify any potential conflicts.
5. Mark Important Deadlines: Note down important deadlines for registration, tuition payments, and course add/drop deadlines in your planner or calendar.
Comparison of Academic Calendars
| Institution | Quarter System | Start Date (Fall) | End Date (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue College | Yes | Late September | Mid-June |
| University of Washington | No | Late September | Mid-June |
| Seattle Community College | Yes | Early October | Mid-July |
| South Seattle College | No | Late September | Mid-June |
Pros and Cons of Quarter System
Pros:
- Flexible schedule allows students to take more courses per year.
- Shorter quarters provide a focused and intense learning environment.
- Easier to catch up if a student falls behind in a course.
Cons:
- More frequent exams and deadlines can be stressful.
- Less time for students to digest and retain material.
- May not provide enough time for students to work or participate in extracurricular activities.
Creative New Word for Academic Calendar: Chronolog
“Chronolog” is a combination of the words “chronology” (a record of events in order of their occurrence) and “log” (a record or diary). It encapsulates the purpose of an academic calendar, which is to record and present key academic events, deadlines, and dates in a chronological order.
Tables
Table 1: Quarter Start and End Dates for Academic Year 2022-2023
| Quarter | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | September 26, 2022 | December 16, 2022 |
| Winter | January 2, 2023 | March 10, 2023 |
| Spring | April 3, 2023 | June 16, 2023 |
| Summer | June 26, 2023 | August 18, 2023 |
Table 2: Important Deadlines for Quarter System
| Task | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Course Registration | Typically several weeks before the start of each quarter |
| Tuition Payment | Typically due the first week of each quarter |
| Course Add/Drop | Typically the first two weeks of each quarter |
| Final Exam Schedule | Published at the beginning of each quarter |
Table 3: Academic Events at Bellevue College
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Guest Lecture on Climate Change | October 12, 2023 |
| Career Fair | February 15, 2023 |
| Student Research Symposium | April 26, 2023 |
| Commencement Ceremony | June 17, 2023 |
Table 4: Comparison of Quarter and Semester Systems
| Feature | Quarter System | Semester System |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Quarters/Semesters per Year | 4 | 2 |
| Length of Quarters/Semesters | 10 weeks | 15 weeks |
| Breaks between Quarters/Semesters | 1-2 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Number of Courses Taken per Year | 4-6 | 3-4 |
| Stress Level | Typically higher | Typically lower |
