Passaic Today

Montclair State University will implement a revamped academic calendar starting January 2025. The new structure aims to enhance the student experience by providing year-round access to educational resources.

The university will transition to a three-term model, including a full summer term in addition to the traditional spring and fall terms. This change is intended to increase flexible learning options and ensure students have an optimal path to degree completion.

“To meet students where they are and become a 21st-century higher education institution, we must create as many pathways to earn a degree as possible,” said Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “The new three-term model allows us to be nimble and creative. We can offer courses in multiple modalities and ultimately provide year-round options for students to access all University resources, allowing them to complete their studies in as optimal a manner as possible. So this change is another expression of our commitment to eliminate the typical barriers to earning a degree.”

Key features of Montclair’s new three-term model include:

- Semesters will now be called "terms."

- Full terms will last 14 weeks instead of 15.

- Partial terms will be 7 weeks.

- Class sessions will increase in length based on weekly frequency due to fewer weeks per term.

- Two Common Hour blocks per week (on Mondays and Wednesdays) for increased opportunities for student events and activities.

- Fall, Spring, and End-of-Summer Term breaks for students, faculty, and staff.

- Full-term courses can be scheduled three days a week for increased student engagement.

- Terms will not have separate final exam periods.

Prospective students or parents interested in learning more about these changes are encouraged to plan a visit to the campus.