Responsible officer: Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Designated officer: Director, Student Administration

Council approval: C02/46, 11 June 2002

Last amended: C07/24, 20 March 2007

Related Policies:

Policy

The Academic Year for the University of the Sunshine Coast is determined as follows:

(i) For programs other than postgraduate session-based coursework programs and higher degrees by research and professional doctorates:

(a) The Academic Year will consist of two compulsory semesters, each consisting of thirteen teaching weeks, with a one week study period and a two week examinations period, plus one non-compulsory semester (“Summer Semester”), consisting of six teaching weeks, with a one week study period and a one week examinations period.

(b) Semester 1 will commence on the Monday of Week 8 of the calendar year.

(c) There will be a two week Intra-Semester Break during Semester 1 which will coincide with at least one of the Easter public holidays and will be calculated to provide the best balance between the two halves of the semester.

(d) There will be an Inter-Semester Break of four weeks between the end of Semester 1 and the beginning of Semester 2 which will coincide with Weeks 26 to 29 (inclusive) of the calendar year.

(e) Semester 2 will commence on the Monday of Week 30 of the calendar year.

(f) There will be a two week Intra-Semester Break during Semester 2 which will coincide with Weeks 36 and 37 of the calendar year.

(g) Summer Semester will commence on the Monday of Week 49 of the calendar year.

(h) There will be a two week Intra-Semester Break during Summer Semester which will coincide with Weeks 51 and 52 of the calendar year.

(ii) For postgraduate session-based coursework programs

(a) The Academic Year will consist of three Sessions, each consisting of thirteen teaching weeks and a one week examination period.

(b) Session 1 will commence on the Monday of Week 9 of the calendar year.

(c) Session 2 will commence on the Monday of Week 26 of the calendar year.

(d) Session 3 will commence on the Monday of Week 43 of the calendar year.

(e) There will be a one week Intra-Session break during Session 1 which will coincide with at least one of the Easter public holidays and will be calculated to provide the best balance between the two halves of the session.

(f) There will be a one week Intra-Session break during Session 2 which will be calculated to provide the best balance between the two halves of the session.

(g) There will be a two week Intra-Semester Break during Session 3 which will coincide with Weeks 51 and 52 of the calendar year.

(h) There will be a break of two weeks between Sessions 1 and 2 and between Sessions 2 and 3.

(iii) For higher degree by research and professional doctorate candidates, enrolment may commence at any time during the calendar year and their program will be continuous, recognising only public holidays and the University end-of-year closure.