Oxy Important Dates 2026 to 27 for Parents

Two semesters, with split exam weeks

Occidental runs on a fall and spring semester. One quirk worth knowing: each finals period is broken up by reading days. In fall 2026, the last day of classes is Monday, Nov. 30, reading days fall on Dec. 1 and 2, exams run Dec. 3 and 4, the weekend of Dec. 5 and 6 is set aside for reading, and exams resume Monday, Dec. 7 through Thursday, Dec. 10. Residence halls close at 10 am on Friday, Dec. 11.

If you are booking a December flight home before your student knows their exam schedule, Friday, Dec. 11 is the date that covers every possible exam slot. The halls close at 10 am that morning, so plan the trip home from there.

Fall 2026 at a glance

• Mon, Aug. 17: new student move in
• Aug. 18 to 24: orientation for new students, ending with Convocation on Monday, Aug. 24
• Fri, Aug. 21: returning student move in
• Tue, Aug. 25: first day of classes
• Mon, Sept. 7: Labor Day, no classes
• Oct. 2 to 3: Homecoming & Family Weekend
• Thu, Oct. 15 to Fri, Oct. 16: fall break
• Wed, Nov. 25 to Fri, Nov. 27: Thanksgiving break

Thanksgiving deserves a closer look. Classes still meet Monday and Tuesday of that week, and Monday, Nov. 30, right after the holiday, is the last day of fall classes. A student flying home needs to be back on campus for that Monday, so a return flight on Sunday, Nov. 29 is the natural choice.

Fall break, with two weekdays off, gives your student a four day weekend. For families on the other side of the country, that is a short window for a round trip, so it is worth deciding early whether it makes sense.

Winter break

The halls close at 10 am Friday, Dec. 11, 2026 and reopen for returning students at 10 am Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027. Monday, Jan. 18 is the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, and spring classes start Tuesday, Jan. 19. New spring students have orientation Jan. 14 and 15.

Students who need to stay over winter break are moved to Newcomb Hall, according to the REHS FAQ. Everyone else leaves campus but may keep belongings in their room.

Spring 2027

• Mon, Feb. 15: Presidents' Day, no classes
• Mar. 8 to 12: spring break
• Tue, Apr. 20: Founder's Day, no classes
• Wed, Apr. 28: last day of classes
• Apr. 30 to May 7: final exams, with reading days on Apr. 29 and May 1 to 2
• Sat, May 8: residence halls close at 10 am for non graduating students
• Sun, May 16: Commencement
• Mon, May 17: residence halls close at 10 am for graduating seniors

Commencement weekend

The 2027 ceremony is set for Sunday, May 16. Oxy holds Commencement in the Remsen Bird Hillside Theater, and guests need wristbands to get in. Each graduate gets a limited number of wristbands when they pick up their cap and gown. The college says family details are usually shared during the spring semester, so expect 2027 specifics then.

What to double check

Calendars do get revised. Before you buy nonrefundable tickets, compare these dates with the official 2026 to 27 academic calendar and watch for messages from REHS about closing times. Homecoming & Family Weekend dates are posted on the college events calendar and the alumni site, which is also where registration opens.