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Spring Quarter reminders for graduate students

March 11, 2026

Dear students,

We write with a few reminders as you wrap up Winter and look forward to Spring Quarter. 

Spring 2026 Academic Calendar 

Don’t forget about Northwestern Monday. Spring Quarter begins on Tuesday, March 31, with Monday classes meeting that day. Classes that meet on a Tuesday/Thursday schedule will meet for their first class on Thursday. Classes that usually meet only on Tuesdays will not meet during the first week of the term. Your CAESAR class schedule will reflect the following: 

  • Monday, March 30: No classes (Spring Break)
  • Tuesday, March 31: Classes begin. “Northwestern Monday” means that classes scheduled for Monday meet on this day.
  • Wednesday, April 1: Schedule returns to normal.
  • Tuesday, April 7: Tuesday-only classes meet for the first time. 

Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance 

Students are not penalized for class absences due to religious holidays, per our Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance. Please note that religious accommodations are for local observance. 

To Do: If you need religious accommodation in Spring classes, reach out to your instructor. For a graduate appointment religious accommodation, reach out to your supervisor.

Campus Arrival and Course Engagement

Being present at the start of the quarter is important for your learning, especially for classes on the quarter system. To facilitate this, most graduate and professional programs require students to arrive at campus no later than the end of the first week of the term and remain in attendance until the end of the quarter. Students who do not arrive on time may be withdrawn from their class(es). 

To Do: If you are taking classes this term and worried that you may need to arrive after the quarter begins, or may not be able to remain engaged throughout, please contact your program right away. 

Wishing you a smooth end to the Winter Quarter and moment of rest before you begin again in Spring! 

Sincerely, 

Jaci Casazza
Assistant Provost and University Registrar 

Kelly Mayo
Dean of the Graduate School and
Associate Provost for Graduate Education