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SU Moves to Semesters

Seattle University schools and colleges are aligning on a unified semester calendar to better support student success, academic flexibility, and opportunity, consistent with how most universities operate nationwide.

Seattle University Announces Quarter-to-Semester Transition

Beginning Summer 2027, the start of the 2027-2028 academic year, Seattle University schools and colleges that currently use the quarter system will move to a semester-based academic calendar. This transition is designed to better support student success, academic flexibility and access to opportunities.

Cornish College of the Arts and the School of Law already operate on a semester calendar. Moving the remaining Seattle University schools and colleges to semesters will align the university with the academic structure used by most U.S. colleges and universities and position the university for long-term growth. 

Seattle University has carefully planned this change, with input from faculty, staff and students. Our focus throughout has been ensuring academic quality, continuity and student support. This transition puts students first and ensures consistent academic experiences across programs. 

Here you’ll find important announcements, planning resources and contact information for questions. This page will be updated regularly as the semester transition progresses. 

Why Seattle University Is Moving to Semesters

Seattle University’s move to a unified semester calendar reflects our commitment to a clear, supportive and nationally aligned academic experience. Today, the vast majority of U.S. universities operate on a semester schedule, making it the most familiar and flexible system for students, families and employers. The semester calendar also aligns with internships, study abroad and graduate program opportunities nationwide.

More time to learn and adjust 

Semesters offer a longer academic term, giving students more time to engage deeply with course material, recover from early challenges, and build confidence. 

Better alignment with opportunities beyond the classroom.  

Semesters align more naturally with: 

  • Internships and cooperative education 
  • Study abroad programs 
  • Summer experiences 
  • Graduate and professional school timelines 

Clearer academic planning 

A semester calendar simplifies degree planning, educational opportunities and advising. This helps students understand how Seattle University fits into their broader academic and professional goals. 

Under the semester system, Seattle University will continue to deliver a rigorous, values-based education with the same commitment to excellence. 

What Will Change 

  • Courses will be structured for semester pacing
  • Academic calendars will follow a fall/spring rhythm (see our 2027-2028 Unified Semester Academic Calendar)
  • Greater opportunity for early graduate admission to Seattle University's Law School through accelerated undergraduate pathways
  • Cornish College of the Arts students will be able to pursue a wider range of courses in our other schools and colleges, and conversely students on the First Hill campus will be able to enroll in arts courses
  • Summer sessions will offer flexible options; access to more internships and study abroad

What Will Stay the Same 

  • Academic quality and rigor 
  • Faculty engagement and mentorship 
  • Commitment to experiential learning and whole-person education 

Programs are being thoughtfully converted to semesters to ensure learning outcomes remain strong and coherent within the semester format, and to provide students with a clear path to complete their programs efficiently through a mix of quarter and semester classes.

Academic advising is central to the semester transition. Our goal is to ensure every student understands their path—and feels confident moving forward. 

Students will have access to: 

  • Dedicated academic advisors 
  • Clear degree pathways and individualized planning
  • Guidance on internships, study abroad and summer experiences
  • Support to understand transfer credits and program requirements 

Seattle University is taking a phased, transparent approach to ensure a smooth transition to semesters. 

What You Can Expect 

  • New students starting Summer 2027 or later will not be affected
  • Students experiencing the calendar transition will have clear advising and planning support
  • Students graduating before Summer 2027 will not be affected

Key Milestones 

2025–Current: Planning & Design 

  • Academic calendar structure finalized
  • Curriculum redesign begins
  • Advising and systems planning underway 

2025–2026: Curriculum & Advising Preparation 

  • Courses and programs adapted for semester pacing
  • Advising tools and degree planning resources developed
  • Ongoing communication with students and families 

2026–2027: Final Preparation 

  • Systems testing and readiness
  • Orientation materials updated
  • Individualized Academic Plan for every student transitioning to the semester calendar

Summer 2027: Semester Launch 

  • All academic programs operate on semesters
  • Full student support and advising in place 

When will Seattle University move to semesters? 

Seattle University will launch the semester calendar in Summer 2027. 

Will the expected duration of my undergraduate degree program remain four years?   

Yes. If you started Seattle University as a first-year, full-time student with few transfer credits, than your anticipated time towards completion of your degree will be four years. 

How does this affect study abroad and internships? 

Semesters align more easily with national and international academic and professional schedules, expanding opportunities.  

Will advising be available during the transition? 

Yes. Advising support is a core part of this process.  

Why is Seattle University making this change now? 

This transition reflects national norms and supports student success, flexibility and clarity. The shift also expands access across schools and colleges, including opportunities with the School of Law and Cornish College of the Arts.

How will degree plans change for students currently enrolled in the quarter system?

Every student will receive an Individual Academic Plan (IAP) outlining the path to degree completion.

When will degree plans be updated online?

Advisors will start working with students to individualize their academic plan in the fall of 2026. Plans will be completed before registration for summer and fall 2027.

How will this affect current students?

For current students, the University's priority is ensuring our students stay on track and continue to progress towards degree completion without disruption. Your advisor will work with you to plan your remaining coursework and navigate this transition smoothly.

Semester Wins in the News

Semester Wins

A planned move to a semester calendar—from a quarterly one—will allow SU to further support all students in all ways.

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More Information for Our Redhawk Community

If you plan to enroll at Seattle University in Summer 2027 or later, you will begin your academic journey on the semester calendar. 

What This Means for You:

  • You’ll experience a familiar academic rhythm used by most universities 
  • You’ll benefit from longer terms with more time to learn and grow 
  • You’ll have strong alignment with internships, study abroad and graduate pathways 

This transition is designed to support your success—academically and beyond. 

Current students will receive personalized advising and planning support to ensure continuity and clarity as Seattle University transitions to semesters. 

  • Advisors will help map your academic plan 
  • Course equivalencies and degree progress will be clearly communicated 
  • You will not be navigating this transition alone 

Visit the Redhawk Hub's Move to Semester page. You can also visit the Redhawk Hub's University Advising pages for more detailed information.

Seattle University understands that academic structure matters to families. This transition: 

  • Aligns SU with national academic norms 
  • Supports student success and flexibility 
  • Puts student outcomes at the center of all planning 

We are committed to providing clear communication and strong support throughout the process. 

Supporting Teaching, Learning and Academic Excellence 

Seattle University’s transition from a quarter system to a semester academic calendar, launching Summer 2027, is a significant academic shift grounded in our shared commitment to student success, curricular coherence and institutional alignment. 

Faculty leadership, expertise and engagement are central to this work. The semester transition is being designed to support high-quality teaching, meaningful learning experiences and sustainable academic practices. 

Visit the Redhawk Hub's Move to Semesters Page.

Learn More About the Move to the Semesters

If you're a current member of the Seattle University community, you can also visit the Redhawk Hub for additional information about this process.

Contact Us

Ask Questions About the Move to Semesters

For more information about the Summer 2027 move to the semester schedule, please contact us using the form below.

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