Academic Calendar
2020–2021
The following dates are subject to change as the University makes decisions regarding the 2020–2021 academic year.
Fall 2020
Aug. 3 | Online orientation available through Canvas
Aug. 17–20 | Placement examinations take place online
Aug. 31 | Online course registration opens, 8:30 a.m. EDT; Yale College classes begin
Sept. 4 and 7 | Academic advising (Labor Day holiday will not be observed)
Sept. 8 | YSM fall-term classes begin; YSM fall-term course schedules due, 4 p.m. EDT
Sep. 8-27 | Yale Philharmonia and chamber music audition module available through Canvas
Sept. 8–Oct. 13 | Academic courses in session
Sept. 11 | Add/drop deadline, 4 p.m. EDT
Sept. 27 | Deadline for ensemble audition recordings
Oct. 14–Nov. 25 | Performance classes in session
Nov. 26–29 | Thanksgiving break
Nov. 30–Dec. 9 | Academic courses resume
Dec. 1 | Deadline for YSM fall 2021 applications; Spring online course registration opens, 8:30 a.m. EST
Dec. 2 | Last day to elect pass/fail option, 4 p.m. EST
Dec. 9 | Last day to withdraw from a class, 4 p.m. EST
Dec. 9–16 | Final academic projects, lessons, seminars, and exams
Dec. 16 | Classes and exams end; Spring term course schedules due, 4 p.m. EST
Spring 2021
Feb. 1 | Classes begin
Feb. 1–5 | Add/drop deadline, 4 p.m. EST
Feb. 20–21 | DMA entrance exams
Feb. 22 | First break day
Feb. 22–28 | Auditions week
Feb. 24–26 | No classes
Mar. 9 | Second break day
Mar. 24 | Third break day
Apr. 8 | Fourth break day
Apr. 14 | Last day to elect pass/fail option, 4 p.m. EST
Apr. 23 | Fifth break day
May 5 | Last day to withdraw from a class, 4 p.m. EST
May 12 | Classes end
May 13-19 | Final exams and performances
May 23 | Practice rooms close
May 24 | Commencement