Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) operates on a unique academic calendar system that differs from the traditional semester or quarter-based systems. Understanding CMU’s calendar is crucial for students in planning their academic schedules, registration, and important deadlines.

Overview of CMU Calendar
CMU follows a modular system, which divides the academic year into 12-week modules. Each module is equivalent to a semester at other institutions. The academic year consists of three terms:
- Fall Term: August – December (four modules)
- Spring Term: January – May (four modules)
- Summer Term: May – August (four modules)
Modular Structure: Each module is further divided into two sub-modules, referred to as “A” and “B.” Students enroll in two sub-modules per module, typically taking three to five courses.
Academic Planning with CMU Calendar
The CMU calendar allows for flexible academic planning, enabling students to customize their schedules based on their individual needs and preferences.
- Flexibility: Students can choose the modules they wish to enroll in, allowing them to tailor their academic path and fit their coursework around other commitments.
- Time Optimization: The modular system provides opportunities for students to accelerate their studies or take time off during certain modules to pursue internships, research, or personal endeavors.
- Cross-Discipline Exploration: The CMU calendar facilitates cross-discipline exploration by enabling students to enroll in courses from different departments or schools within each module.
Important Dates and Deadlines
The CMU calendar includes important dates and deadlines that students should be aware of for registration, course selection, and other academic matters.
Event | Fall Term 2024 | Spring Term 2025 |
---|---|---|
Registration Begins | June 15, 2024 | November 15, 2024 |
Course Selection Period | July 1 – August 15, 2024 | December 1 – January 15, 2025 |
Add/Drop Period | First 2 weeks of each module | First 2 weeks of each module |
Withdrawal Deadline | 8 weeks after start of each module | 8 weeks after start of each module |
Finals Week | December 5-16, 2024 | May 1-12, 2025 |
Commencement | May 24, 2025 | N/A |
Note: Please refer to the official CMU academic calendar for the most up-to-date information.
CMU Calendar for Students
The CMU calendar can be a valuable tool for students to plan their academic journeys. By understanding the modular structure and important dates, students can:
- Maximize their time: Schedule courses that fit their interests and career goals while optimizing their academic load.
- Explore multiple disciplines: Take advantage of the flexibility to explore courses from different departments and schools.
- Plan extracurricular activities: Balance their academic responsibilities with clubs, organizations, and personal endeavors.
- Manage their finances: Plan their expenses based on tuition and fees associated with each module.
CMU Calendar for Faculty and Staff
The CMU calendar also serves as a valuable resource for faculty and staff in planning their teaching and administrative responsibilities.
- Course Planning: Faculty can plan their course schedules based on the modular structure, ensuring adequate time for instruction and assessment.
- Administrative Deadlines: Staff can meet important deadlines for registration, course selection, and other academic matters.
- Research and Development: The calendar can facilitate research and development efforts by providing flexibility for faculty to pursue projects and collaborate with colleagues.
Conclusion
The CMU calendar is a unique and flexible academic planning tool that empowers students, faculty, and staff to optimize their academic experiences. By understanding the modular structure, important dates, and academic planning strategies, CMU members can make informed decisions and create a personalized academic path that aligns with their goals and aspirations.
Appendix: CMU Calendar Tables
Table 1: CMU Calendar Structure
Academic Year | Term | Modules |
---|---|---|
2024-2025 | Fall Term | M1, M2, M3, M4 |
Spring Term | M5, M6, M7, M8 | |
Summer Term | M9, M10, M11, M12 |
Table 2: CMU Module Sub-Modules
Module | Sub-Module |
---|---|
M1 | A, B |
M2 | A, B |
M3 | A, B |
M4 | A, B |
M5 | A, B |
M6 | A, B |
M7 | A, B |
M8 | A, B |
M9 | A, B |
M10 | A, B |
M11 | A, B |
M12 | A, B |
Table 3: CMU Academic Calendar
Term | Key Dates |
---|---|
Fall Term 2024 | Registration Opens: June 15, 2024 |
Course Selection Period: July 1 – August 15, 2024 | |
Finals Week: December 5-16, 2024 | |
Spring Term 2025 | Registration Opens: November 15, 2024 |
Course Selection Period: December 1 – January 15, 2025 | |
Finals Week: May 1-12, 2025 | |
Commencement: May 24, 2025 |
Table 4: CMU Academic Planning Tips
Tip | Benefits |
---|---|
Explore cross-discipline courses | Expand knowledge and skills |
Take advantage of flexible scheduling | Optimize academic load and extracurricular activities |
Plan early for internships and research | Secure opportunities to enhance career prospects |
Utilize university resources | Seek support from academic advisors, career services, and other university resources |