College Calendar
Bowdoin's 222nd Academic Year: 2023-2024
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | |
| Aug. 20-21, Sun.–Mon. | New international student orientation |
| Aug. 22, Tues. | New student arrival day |
| Aug. 23-26, Wed.–Sat. | Orientation trips for new students |
| Aug. 26-29, Sat.–Tues. | Orientation for new students |
| Aug. 27, Sun. | College housing ready for occupancy for upperclass students, noon |
| Aug. 29, Tues. | Opening of the College–Convocation, 3:30 p.m. |
| Aug. 30, Wed. | Fall semester classes begin, 8:00 a.m. |
| Sept. 7-9, Thurs.–Sat. | Explore Bowdoin I |
| Sept. 21-23, Thurs.–Sat. | Alumni Council, Alumni Fund Directors, and BRAVO National Advisory Board meetings |
| Oct. 6, Fri. | Fall vacation begins after last class |
| Oct. 11, Wed. | Fall vacation ends, 8:00 a.m. |
| Oct. 12-14, Thurs.–Sat. | Meetings of the Board of Trustees |
| Oct. 14, Sat. | Inauguration of Bowdoin's 16th President |
| Oct. 13-15 Fri.-Sun. | Homecoming Weekend |
| Oct. 19-21, Thurs.–Sat. | Explore Bowdoin II |
| Oct. 27, Fri. | Sarah and James Bowdoin Day Ceremony |
| Oct. 27-29, Fri.–Sun. | Family Weekend |
| Nov. 22, Wed. | Thanksgiving vacation begins, 8:00 a.m. |
| Nov. 27, Mon. | Thanksgiving vacation ends, 8:00 a.m. |
| Dec. 8, Fri. | Last day of classes |
| Dec. 9-12, Sat.–Tues. | Reading period |
| Dec. 13-18, Wed.–Mon. | Fall semester examinations |
| Dec. 19, Tues. | College housing closes for winter break, noon |
| Dec. 22-Jan. 7 | College holidays, most offices closed |
| Spring 2024 | |
| Jan. 16, Tues. | College housing available for students participating in CXD's Sophomore Bootcamp, 8:00 am |
| Jan. 17-19, Wed.-Fri. | Sophomore Bootcamp, Career Exploration and Development |
| Jan. 20, Sat. | College housing available for occupancy, 8:30 a.m. |
| Jan. 22, Mon. | Spring semester classes begin, 8:00 a.m. |
| Feb. 8-10, Thurs.–Sat. | Meetings of the Board of Trustees |
| March 8, Fri. | Spring vacation begins after last class |
| March 9, Sat. | College housing closes for spring vacation, noon |
| March 23, Sat. | College housing available for occupancy, 8:30 a.m. |
| March 25, Mon. | Spring vacation ends, 8:00 a.m. |
| April 4-6, Thurs.–Sat. | Alumni Council, Alumni Fund Directors, and BRAVO National Advisory Board Meetings |
| April 11-13, Thurs.–Sat. | Bearings in Brunswick for Admitted Students |
| May 3, Fri. | Honors Day |
| May 8, Wed. | Last day of classes |
| May 9-11, Thurs.–Sat. | Meetings of the Board of Trustees |
| May 9-12, Thurs.–Sun. | Reading Period |
| May 13-18, Mon.–Sat. | Spring semester examinations |
| May 19, Sun. | College housing closes for non-graduating students, noon |
| May 24, Fri. | Baccalaureate |
| May 25, Sat. | The 219th Commencement Exercises |
| May 25, Sat. | College housing closes for graduating students, 6:00 p.m. |
| May 30-June 2, Thurs.–Sun. | Reunion Weekend |
| June 10-14, Mon.-Fri. | Virtual Pre-Orientation for Students Admitted for Fall 2024 |
Religious Holidays and Observances:
In recognition of Bowdoin’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive student body and the variety of religions observed and practiced by our students, faculty are encouraged to avoid conflicts between academic coursework and major religious holidays. The Rachel Lord Center for Religious and Spiritual Life maintains a calendar of major religious observances of the officially recognized religious groups at Bowdoin. In addition, the multifaith calendar from the Harvard Divinity School is a valuable resource regarding many other religious observances that may be of significance to members of the Bowdoin community. Students or faculty who have any questions regarding how best to balance the academic calendar alongside religious observances are encouraged to consult with the Director of Religious and Spiritual Life.
College Holidays and Observances:
Human Resources maintains the calendar of College holidays and special days off and can provide guidance on the interpretation and recording of work around these events. HR encourages staff, students, and faculty to reference the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's calendar of federal holidays as the official source for those dates and observances.