GMU Academic Calendar Spring 2024

The George Mason University (GMU) academic calendar for the spring 2024 semester is now available. This comprehensive calendar outlines important dates and deadlines for students, faculty, and staff. Whether you’re a new student or a returning one, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the academic calendar to plan your semester accordingly.

The spring 2024 semester at GMU begins on Monday, January 15, 2024, and ends on Friday, May 9, 2024. The semester is divided into two sessions: the regular session and the summer session. The last day to add or drop a class without a grade penalty is Friday, January 26, 2024.

Now that you have a general overview of the GMU academic calendar for spring 2024, let’s delve into more specific details to help you plan your semester effectively.

Plan your semester effectively with these key dates:

Semester Start: January 15, 2024
Semester End: May 9, 2024
Add/Drop Deadline: January 26, 2024
Spring Break: March 10-16, 2024
Final Exams: May 1-9, 2024
Commencement: May 17, 2024
Summer Session: May 13 – July 25, 2024
Registration Opens: October 17, 2023
Tuition Due Date: February 1, 2024
Financial Aid Deadline: March 1, 2024

For more detailed information, please refer to the official GMU academic calendar.

Semester Start: January 15, 2024

The spring 2024 semester at GMU officially commences on Monday, January 15, 2024. This is the first day of classes for the semester.

Move-In Day:
If you’re a new student living on campus, move-in day is typically a day or two before the semester starts. Be sure to check with your residence hall for specific move-in instructions.
Welcome Week:
The week leading up to the start of classes is often referred to as Welcome Week. During this time, there are various events and activities organized to welcome new students and help them get settled into university life. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, learn about campus resources, and get involved in student organizations.
Course Registration:
Make sure you have registered for your classes before the start of the semester. Registration typically opens several weeks before the semester begins. If you need assistance with course selection or registration, contact your academic advisor.
Purchase Textbooks:
Check your course syllabi to see what textbooks are required for your classes. You can purchase textbooks from the GMU bookstore or online retailers. Be sure to purchase your textbooks early to avoid any delays in receiving them.

By preparing in advance and taking care of important tasks before the semester starts, you can ensure a smooth and successful start to your spring 2024 semester at GMU.

Semester End: May 9, 2024

The spring 2024 semester at GMU concludes on Friday, May 9, 2024. This is the last day of classes for the semester.

Final Exams:
The week of May 1-9, 2024, is dedicated to final exams. The exact schedule for your final exams will be determined by your instructors and posted on the GMU academic calendar. Make sure to plan your study schedule accordingly.
Grades Due:
Instructors have until May 16, 2024, to submit final grades for the semester. After this date, you can view your final grades online through the GMU student portal.
Commencement:
GMU’s spring commencement ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024. This is a special day to celebrate the academic achievements of graduating students. If you are graduating this semester, be sure to apply for graduation and attend the commencement ceremony.
Summer Session:
For those who want to continue taking classes during the summer, GMU offers a summer session from May 13 to July 25, 2024. Summer courses are a great way to catch up on credits, get ahead in your program, or explore new subjects.

The end of the semester can be a busy and stressful time, but it’s also a time to reflect on your accomplishments and prepare for the next chapter in your academic journey.

Add/Drop Deadline: January 26, 2024

The add/drop deadline for the spring 2024 semester at GMU is Friday, January 26, 2024. This means that you have until this date to make changes to your course schedule, including adding new courses or dropping courses that you have already registered for.

Adding a Course:
If you decide to add a course to your schedule, you must do so through the GMU student portal. Make sure that you have the prerequisites for the course and that it fits into your schedule. You may need to meet with your academic advisor to discuss adding a course, especially if you are adding a course that is outside of your major.

Dropping a Course:
To drop a course, you must also do so through the GMU student portal. Dropping a course before the add/drop deadline will result in a full refund of your tuition for that course. After the add/drop deadline, you may still be able to drop a course, but you will not receive a refund for your tuition.

Withdrawing from a Course:
If you need to withdraw from a course after the add/drop deadline, you must submit a withdrawal form to the Registrar’s Office. Withdrawing from a course will result in a “W” grade on your transcript. A “W” grade does not affect your GPA, but it may have implications for financial aid and academic progress.

It’s important to carefully consider your course schedule before the add/drop deadline. Make sure that you are enrolled in the courses that you need and that you can handle the workload. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your academic advisor.

Spring Break: March 10-16, 2024

Spring break for the spring 2024 semester at GMU is from Monday, March 10th to Sunday, March 16th. This is a week-long break from classes and a great opportunity for students to recharge and refresh before the final stretch of the semester.

Things to Do During Spring Break:
There are many ways to spend spring break, depending on your interests and budget. Here are a few ideas:

Travel:
If you have the time and money, spring break is a great time to travel. You could visit a new city or country, or go on an adventure trip. If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to check the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories before you go.
Staycation:
If you’d rather stay closer to home, you can still have a fun and relaxing spring break. You could catch up on sleep, read a book, watch movies, or spend time with friends and family. You could also explore your local area and discover new things to do.
Volunteer:
Spring break is also a great time to give back to your community. You could volunteer at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or animal shelter. Volunteering is a rewarding way to spend your time and make a difference in the lives of others.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Spring Break:
No matter how you choose to spend your spring break, be sure to take some precautions to stay safe and healthy:

Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Don’t drink and drive.
Be careful about who you trust.
Make sure you have a way to contact emergency services in case of an emergency.

Spring break is a great time to take a break from the rigors of school and recharge your batteries. By planning ahead and taking some precautions, you can ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable spring break.

Final Exams: May 1-9, 2024

The final exam period for the spring 2024 semester at GMU is from Wednesday, May 1st to Friday, May 9th. During this time, you will take final exams for all of your courses.

Check the Exam Schedule:
The exact schedule for your final exams will be posted on the GMU academic calendar. Be sure to check the schedule carefully and plan your study schedule accordingly.
Study Effectively:
The best way to prepare for final exams is to study effectively throughout the semester. This means attending class regularly, taking good notes, and completing all of your assignments. Cramming at the last minute is not an effective way to learn the material.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep:
Getting a good night’s sleep before each final exam is essential. This will help you stay alert and focused during the exam.
Arrive on Time:
Be sure to arrive at your final exams on time. Latecomers may not be admitted to the exam.

Final exams can be stressful, but by following these tips, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, all the hard work you’ve put in throughout the semester will pay off when you do well on your final exams.

Commencement: May 17, 2024

Commencement is a special day for graduating students and their families. It is a time to celebrate your academic achievements and your journey at GMU. The spring 2024 commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Applying for Graduation:
In order to participate in commencement, you must apply for graduation. The deadline to apply for graduation is March 1, 2024. You can apply for graduation online through the GMU student portal.

Commencement Ceremony:
The commencement ceremony will be held at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. The ceremony typically begins at 10:00 AM. Graduates are expected to arrive at the arena by 8:30 AM. Tickets are required for guests to attend the ceremony. Each graduate will receive a limited number of guest tickets.

Commencement Speaker:
Each year, GMU invites a distinguished speaker to deliver the commencement address. The speaker for the spring 2024 commencement ceremony will be announced closer to the date of the ceremony.

Commencement is a momentous occasion that marks the culmination of your hard work and dedication. It is a day to celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to the bright future that lies ahead.

Summer Session: May 13 – July 25, 2024

The summer session at GMU is a great opportunity for students to catch up on credits, get ahead in their program, or explore new subjects. The summer session runs from Monday, May 13th to Friday, July 25th, 2024.

Summer Course Offerings:
The summer session offers a wide variety of courses, including undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as online courses. Courses are offered in a variety of subjects, including business, education, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.

Benefits of Taking Summer Courses:
There are many benefits to taking summer courses at GMU:

Accelerate your degree: Summer courses can help you accelerate your degree by allowing you to take more courses in a shorter period of time.
Catch up on credits: If you have fallen behind in your studies, summer courses can help you catch up on credits and get back on track.
Explore new subjects: Summer courses are a great opportunity to explore new subjects that you might not have time for during the regular academic year.
Improve your GPA: If you are struggling in a particular subject, summer courses can give you the opportunity to improve your grade.

Applying for Summer Courses:
Registration for summer courses opens in March 2024. You can register for summer courses online through the GMU student portal.

Summer session is a great way to make the most of your time and achieve your academic goals. By taking summer courses, you can accelerate your degree, catch up on credits, explore new subjects, and improve your GPA.

Registration Opens: October 17, 2023

Registration for the spring 2024 semester at GMU opens on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. This is the first opportunity for students to select and register for their courses for the upcoming semester.

Registration Process:
Students can register for courses online through the GMU student portal. To register for a course, you will need to know the course number, section number, and CRN (course reference number). You can find this information in the GMU course catalog.

Course Selection:
When selecting courses, be sure to consider the following factors:

Prerequisites: Make sure you have the prerequisites for the courses you want to take.
Schedule: Create a schedule that works for you, taking into account your other commitments, such as work and family.
Course Load: Consider how many courses you can handle in a semester. A full-time course load is typically 12-15 credits.
Course Reviews: Read course reviews from previous students to get an idea of what the course is like.

Waitlists:
If a course is full, you can add yourself to the waitlist. If a seat becomes available, you will be notified and given the opportunity to register for the course.

Registering for courses early gives you the best chance of getting the courses you want and the schedule you need. By planning ahead and following the registration instructions carefully, you can ensure a smooth and successful registration process.

Tuition Due Date: February 1, 2024

The tuition due date for the spring 2024 semester at GMU is Wednesday, February 1, 2024. This is the deadline for students to pay their tuition and fees in full or to make arrangements for a payment plan.

Payment Options:
Students can pay their tuition and fees online through the GMU student portal. They can also pay by mail or in person at the Bursar’s Office. GMU offers a variety of payment plans to help students spread out the cost of their tuition and fees over a period of time.

Late Payment Fees:
Students who do not pay their tuition and fees by the due date will be charged a late payment fee. The late payment fee is $100 for the first month and $50 for each subsequent month.

Financial Aid:
Students who are receiving financial aid should submit their financial aid applications as early as possible. Financial aid can help cover the cost of tuition and fees, as well as other expenses such as books and living expenses.

Paying your tuition and fees on time is important to avoid late payment fees and to ensure that you are able to register for classes and receive your financial aid. By planning ahead and making arrangements to pay your tuition and fees on time, you can avoid any financial problems and focus on your studies.

Financial Aid Deadline: March 1, 2024

The financial aid deadline for the spring 2024 semester at GMU is Friday, March 1, 2024. This is the deadline for students to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid applications.

FAFSA:
The FAFSA is the primary application for federal student aid. All students who are applying for financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study, must submit the FAFSA.
Other Financial Aid Applications:
In addition to the FAFSA, students may also need to submit other financial aid applications, such as the CSS Profile or the GMU Financial Aid Application. These applications are used to determine eligibility for institutional and state financial aid programs.
Verification:
After submitting the FAFSA, students may be selected for verification. Verification is a process in which the financial aid office reviews the information on the FAFSA to ensure that it is accurate.
Award Notification:
Students who are awarded financial aid will receive an award notification from the financial aid office. The award notification will detail the types and amounts of financial aid that the student has been awarded.

Meeting the financial aid deadline is important to ensure that you receive your financial aid on time and in full. By submitting your financial aid applications early, you can avoid any delays in processing and ensure that you have the financial resources you need to pay for your education.

FAQ

Have questions about the GMU academic calendar for spring 2024? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Question 1: When does the spring 2024 semester start?
Answer: The spring 2024 semester starts on Monday, January 15, 2024.

Question 2: When does the spring 2024 semester end?
Answer: The spring 2024 semester ends on Friday, May 9, 2024.

Question 3: When is the add/drop deadline for the spring 2024 semester?
Answer: The add/drop deadline for the spring 2024 semester is Friday, January 26, 2024.

Question 4: When is spring break for the spring 2024 semester?
Answer: Spring break for the spring 2024 semester is from Monday, March 10th to Sunday, March 16th.

Question 5: When are final exams for the spring 2024 semester?
Answer: Final exams for the spring 2024 semester are from Wednesday, May 1st to Friday, May 9th.

Question 6: When is commencement for the spring 2024 semester?
Answer: Commencement for the spring 2024 semester is on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Question 7: When does registration open for the spring 2024 semester?
Answer: Registration for the spring 2024 semester opens on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

Question 8: When is the tuition due date for the spring 2024 semester?
Answer: The tuition due date for the spring 2024 semester is Wednesday, February 1, 2024.

Question 9: When is the financial aid deadline for the spring 2024 semester?
Answer: The financial aid deadline for the spring 2024 semester is Friday, March 1, 2024.

Question 10: Where can I find more information about the GMU academic calendar for spring 2024?
Answer: You can find more information about the GMU academic calendar for spring 2024 on the GMU website.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the GMU academic calendar for spring 2024. If you have other questions, please contact the GMU Registrar’s Office.

Now that you know the key dates and deadlines for the spring 2024 semester, check out our tips for making the most of your semester.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your spring 2024 semester at GMU:

Tip 1: Plan Ahead:
The key to a successful semester is planning ahead. Take some time at the beginning of the semester to create a schedule that includes your class times, study times, and other commitments. This will help you stay organized and on track.

Tip 2: Attend Class Regularly:
Attending class regularly is one of the best ways to succeed in your courses. When you attend class, you can take notes, ask questions, and participate in discussions. This will help you learn the material and get a good grade.

Tip 3: Study Effectively:
Studying effectively is essential for success in college. There are many different study methods, so find one that works for you. Some common study methods include reading and taking notes, creating flashcards, and practicing problems.

Tip 4: Take Advantage of Campus Resources:
GMU offers a variety of resources to help students succeed. These resources include tutoring, writing centers, and counseling services. If you are struggling in a course or need help with a personal issue, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Tip 5: Get Involved on Campus:
Getting involved on campus is a great way to meet new people, make friends, and learn new things. There are many different student organizations and clubs at GMU, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.

Following these tips can help you have a successful and enjoyable spring 2024 semester at GMU.

Remember, college is a time to learn and grow, both academically and personally. Make the most of your experience by getting involved, taking advantage of campus resources, and planning ahead.

Conclusion

The spring 2024 semester at GMU is an exciting time for students. There are many important dates and deadlines to keep in mind, including the start of the semester, the add/drop deadline, spring break, final exams, and commencement. By planning ahead and following the tips in this article, you can ensure a smooth and successful semester.

Remember, college is a time to learn and grow, both academically and personally. Make the most of your experience by getting involved, taking advantage of campus resources, and planning ahead. We wish you all the best for a successful and enjoyable spring 2024 semester at GMU!