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Seasonal Updates
Winter Update
As the seasons change, so does the information parents need to know. See below for an abbreviated academic calendar for spring semester and links to the spring semester tuition payment schedule, health information, Housing & Residential Life important dates, spring commencement, and weather information (emergency closing).
Calendar
November 2011 | |
November 8 | Registration begins for spring semester 2012 for admitted students. |
November 24-25 | Holiday. Classes excused and University offices closed. |
December 2011 | |
December 2 | Open registration for non-degree-seeking students begins for spring 2012. |
December 14 | Last day of instruction. |
December 16, 17, 19-22 | Final examinations. |
December 22 | End of fall semester. |
December 26, 27 | Holidays. University offices closed. |
December 30 | Fall 2011 grades available online. |
January 2012 | |
January 2 | Holiday. University offices closed. |
January 16 | Martin Luther King holiday. University offices closed. |
January 17 | Spring semester classes begin. |
January 24 | Last day to cancel first 7-week spring semester courses and full-term spring semester courses and receive a 100% refund. |
January 31 | Last day for undergraduates to apply for spring semester graduation. See Degree Application Deadlines on the One Stop site. |
March 2012 | |
March 12-16 | Spring break. |
March 16 | Floating holiday. University offices closed. |
March 21 | Last day for undergraduates to apply for May session graduation. See Degree Application Deadlines on the One Stop site. |
March 26 | Last day to cancel second 7-week spring semester courses and receive a 100% refund. |
April 2012 | |
April 10 | Registration begins for May/summer term 2012 for admitted students. |
April 12 | Registration begins for fall 2012 for admitted students. |
April 17 | Registration begins for May/summer term 2012 for non-admitted students. |
May 2012 | |
May 4 | Open registration and registration for non-degree-seeking students for fall 2012. |
May 5-6 | Study days. |
May 7-12 | Final examinations. |
May 12 | End of spring semester. |
May 21 | May session begins. |
May 28 | Memorial Day holiday. Classes excused and University offices closed |
For more calendar information see www.parent.umn.edu/calendar.html.
Spring semester tuition payment schedule.
Residential Life
See important dates and deadlines such as residence halls opening for spring semester, room reapplication dates, guaranteed housing deadlines and more at www.housing.umn.edu/student/dates.shtml.
Spring Commencement
Commencement information is available from the Events Calendar at at https://events.umn.edu/commencement/index.htm.
Weather
Emergency Closing Information
As a general practice, the University of Minnesota does not close unless the health, safety, and security of University personnel and students is seriously brought into question. When this does happen, either because of severe weather conditions or other emergencies, there are some routine policies and procedures that the University follows.
The radio is the primary source of information on University closings. The University community is expected to listen to radio announcements for closing information. Information will also be posted at the University's official website, www.umn.edu. Announcements of an emergency closing will, to the extent possible, specify the starting and ending times of the closing, and whether the closing includes specific University services, events, and evening or Saturday classes and programs.
See the Emergency Closing Policy website for the full policy, including radio stations and media outlets that will have closing information.
Snow Emergencies
Students who park on the streets around campus need to be aware of Snow Emergency parking. In the event of major snowfalls, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul declare a snow emergency, and they will ticket or tow cars parked along snow emergency routes. Students who discover their car missing will first face the panic of not knowing where it is, then they will have to go through the time and expense of locating and retrieving their car. If the car is towed, they could incur more than $150 in fines and towing fees.
Those who live in Minneapolis can sign up for e-mail notification of snow emergencies. For more information about snow emergencies in Minneapolis, see www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/.
Both cities also notify radio and TV stations when snow emergencies are going into effect, and plowing information is publicized.

Health
Flu Season
This can be the season for colds and flu. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, see www.bhs.umn.edu/health-information/colds-and-flu.htm.
Depression
Winter, with its short days and cold weather, can be a time when students may feel depressed. University Counseling and Consulting Services (UCCS) offers different types of counseling and may be a good place to start. See the UCCS website at www.uccs.umn.edu/ for information about counseling and how to make an appointment. Their phone number is 612-624-3323. If you believe your student has a more serious problem, encourage them to see a health care professional at Boynton Health Service. The general phone number is 612-625-8400 or the website is www.bhs.umn.edu/.
An online workshop for parents, developed in partnership with UCCS, Boynton, and other offices on campus, addresses mental health issues that are most frequently seen during the college years." For more information, see Mental Health and the College Student: Online Workshop for Parents.