The University of Iowa has confirmed the dates of its 2021–22 academic calendar with no changes made to the start or end dates for fall 2021, spring 2022, or summer 2022. The calendar also includes a weeklong fall break in November, an optional four-week winter session beginning Dec. 20, and a weeklong spring break in March 2022.

About the winter session

The four-week winter session was piloted in December 2020 and January 2021 to allow for select, high-priority courses to be taught. The three-credit-hour classes helped students catch up on a class they might have missed, get a head start on the upcoming semester, work on their career skills, or stay on track for graduation. Most of the courses were offered in a condensed, online format.

The four-week format also allowed general education courses to be offered.

“We are very pleased with the success of the expanded winter session pilot,” says Tanya Uden-Holman, associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of University College. “Our priority was helping students stay on track academically during this pandemic year—especially those who might be facing additional challenges, such as first-generation and Pell students. We are grateful to the instructors who made it possible for us to create additional opportunities for them.”

Registration during the pilot program was higher than anticipated, with 957 undergraduates enrolled. Additional sections were added for some courses, and the maximum enrollment was increased for others in order to meet demand.

In addition, the university awarded 154 institutional grants to Pell students to help defray costs.

Information about the pilot winter session can be found on the winter session web page. The page will be updated with information about the next winter session in fall 2021.

Important academic dates