CU Boulder Academic Calendar Spring 2026: A Comprehensive Guide for Success

As the anticipation for the upcoming spring semester at CU Boulder builds, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the academic calendar. The Spring 2026 semester promises an array of exciting opportunities, and this guide will provide you with all the crucial information you need to navigate the semester seamlessly.

Within this document, you’ll find a detailed overview of the academic calendar, including key dates and deadlines, course offerings, registration processes, academic policies, and campus resources. Additionally, we’ve included answers to frequently asked questions to address any uncertainties you may have.

Academic Calendar Overview

The CU Boulder Academic Calendar for Spring 2026 Artikels the key dates and deadlines for the semester, providing a comprehensive schedule for students to plan their academic journey.

The semester begins on Monday, January 19th, 2026, and concludes on Friday, May 8th, 2026. Classes commence on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, and the last day of classes is Thursday, May 7th, 2026. Final exams will be held from Monday, May 11th, 2026, to Friday, May 15th, 2026.

Important Dates

• Monday, January 19th, 2026: First day of the semester
• Tuesday, January 20th, 2026: Classes commence
• Thursday, May 7th, 2026: Last day of classes
• Monday, May 11th, 2026 – Friday, May 15th, 2026: Final exams

Important Dates and Deadlines

Students should mark their calendars with these key dates for the Spring 2026 semester at CU Boulder.

These deadlines apply to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their major or college. Make sure to check with your academic advisor if you have any questions about these deadlines.

Class Start and End Dates

• Classes begin on Monday, January 19, 2026.
• Classes end on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Registration Deadlines

• Priority registration for continuing students begins on Monday, October 24, 2025.
• Open registration for all students begins on Monday, November 7, 2025.

Drop/Add Deadlines

• The last day to add a class without instructor permission is Friday, January 23, 2026.
• The last day to drop a class without a “W” grade is Friday, February 13, 2026.

Final Exam Schedule

Final exams will be held from Monday, May 1, 2026, to Friday, May 5, 2026.

The specific time and location of your final exams will be announced by your instructors.

Registration Process

To secure your place in Spring 2026 courses, you must complete the registration process. This process involves selecting the courses you want to take, checking for any prerequisites, and officially enrolling in those courses.

To register for courses, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Course Availability

• Visit the CU Boulder Course Search website to browse the course offerings for Spring 2026.
• Use the filters to narrow down your search by subject, course level, and other criteria.
• Once you find a course you’re interested in, click on the course title to view more details, including the course description, prerequisites, and meeting times.

Step 2: Check Prerequisites

• Before registering for a course, make sure you have met all of the prerequisites for that course.
• Prerequisites are listed on the course details page in Course Search.
• If you have not met the prerequisites for a course, you will not be able to register for that course.

Step 3: Add Courses to Your Shopping Cart

• Once you have found the courses you want to take and checked the prerequisites, you can add them to your shopping cart.
• To add a course to your shopping cart, click on the “Add to Cart” button on the course details page.
• You can view your shopping cart at any time by clicking on the “Shopping Cart” link in the top right corner of the Course Search website.

Step 4: Enrol in Courses

• Once you have added all of the courses you want to take to your shopping cart, you can enrol in those courses.
• To enrol in courses, click on the “Enrol” button in your shopping cart.
• You will be prompted to confirm your enrolment in each course.
• Once you have confirmed your enrolment, you will be officially registered for those courses.

Registration Restrictions

There are some registration restrictions that you should be aware of.

• You can only register for a maximum of 18 credit hours per semester.
• Some courses have enrolment limits, so you may not be able to register for a course if it is full.
• If you have any holds on your account, you will not be able to register for courses.

Registration Deadlines

There are several important registration deadlines that you should be aware of.

• The priority registration period for Spring 2026 begins on [date].
• The open registration period for Spring 2026 begins on [date].
• The last day to add a course for Spring 2026 is [date].
• The last day to drop a course for Spring 2026 is [date].

Academic Policies

Academic policies are the guidelines that govern academic conduct and performance at CU Boulder. These policies are designed to ensure that all students have a fair and equitable opportunity to succeed in their studies. They also help to maintain the academic integrity of the university.

Some of the most important academic policies that students should be aware of include the grading policy, the attendance policy, and the academic integrity policy.

Grading Policies

The grading policy Artikels the criteria that instructors will use to evaluate student work. This policy includes information on the different types of assignments that students will be expected to complete, the weighting of each type of assignment, and the grading scale that will be used.

Students should carefully review the grading policy for each course they are taking. This will help them to understand the expectations of the instructor and to develop a plan for success in the course.

Attendance Policies

The attendance policy Artikels the expectations for student attendance in classes and other academic activities. This policy includes information on the number of absences that are allowed, the consequences of excessive absences, and the procedures for excused absences.

Students should carefully review the attendance policy for each course they are taking. This will help them to understand the expectations of the instructor and to avoid any potential problems with attendance.

Academic Integrity

The academic integrity policy Artikels the expectations for student conduct in academic matters. This policy includes information on plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct.

Students should carefully review the academic integrity policy. This will help them to understand the expectations of the university and to avoid any potential problems with academic misconduct.

Campus Resources

CU Boulder offers a wide range of resources to support students during Spring 2026. These resources include libraries, tutoring centers, and counseling services.

Libraries provide students with access to books, articles, and other research materials. They also offer a variety of services, such as reference assistance, interlibrary loan, and workshops on research skills.

Tutoring centers provide students with free or low-cost tutoring in a variety of subjects. They are staffed by experienced tutors who can help students with their coursework, study skills, and test preparation.

Counseling services provide students with confidential support for a variety of personal and academic concerns. They offer individual counseling, group counseling, and workshops on topics such as stress management, anxiety, and depression.

Student Life

Student life at CU Boulder during Spring 2026 promises to be vibrant and fulfilling. Whether you’re seeking academic enrichment, personal growth, or simply a bit of fun, there’s something for everyone on campus.

CU Boulder is home to over 500 student organizations, providing a wide range of opportunities to get involved in your passions and meet like-minded individuals. From academic clubs and honor societies to cultural, recreational, and service-oriented groups, there’s something for every interest.

Campus Events

Throughout the semester, CU Boulder hosts a variety of campus events that cater to diverse interests. These include concerts, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, and sporting events. Keep an eye out for the campus calendar to stay up-to-date on upcoming happenings.

Recreational Opportunities

CU Boulder offers ample recreational opportunities to keep you active and engaged. The Recreation Center features state-of-the-art fitness equipment, swimming pools, basketball courts, and more. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and climbing in the nearby Rocky Mountains.

Intramural sports provide a fun and competitive way to stay fit and connect with fellow students. Leagues are offered in a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and flag football.

Questions and Answers

When does the Spring 2026 semester begin and end?

The Spring 2026 semester commences on January 19th, 2026, and concludes on May 13th, 2026.

What is the deadline to register for classes?

The registration deadline for the Spring 2026 semester is November 15th, 2025.

Are there any registration restrictions for Spring 2026?

Yes, registration restrictions may apply based on your academic standing, major, and course availability. It’s recommended to consult with your academic advisor for specific details.

What academic policies should I be aware of for Spring 2026?

The academic policies for Spring 2026 include grading policies, attendance policies, and academic integrity policies. These policies are Artikeld in the university’s academic regulations, and it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with them.

What campus resources are available to students during Spring 2026?

CU Boulder offers a wide range of campus resources to support students, including libraries, tutoring centers, counseling services, and recreational facilities. These resources are designed to enhance your academic and personal well-being.