Regents committee approves KU academic calendar change, shifting fall 2025 start to Aug. 18

KBOR staff member Sam summarized University of Kansas’ request to move the fall 2025 start date from Aug. 25 to Aug. 18, which would move last class, stop day and finals up one week. Sam said the revised calendar meets KBOR policy minimum instructional-day and finals-day requirements and recommended approval.

Casey Wallace, KU university registrar, told the committee the change responds to a compressed timeline this term that limited instructors’ time to submit grades and students’ ability to confirm spring registrations before winter break. Wallace said the earlier start gives faculty more time to record grades and helps students finalize schedules and supports a stronger start to the term.

Committee members asked whether other dates would be affected; Wallace and Sam said the listed dates are the only affected items and that faculty preferred starting one week earlier rather than shifting fall break. A motion to approve the calendar change carried by voice vote; staff will place the item on the full board’s consent agenda for the Dec. 18 meeting.