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Click the button to share your pearls of wisdom with new Eagle families.

While it may seem a little too early to think about Thanksgiving break, we know that many students and families like to finalize travel plans well in advance. As such, we’ve listed important fall dates here, and we encourage you to view the full academic calendar by clicking the button below. 

Classes Begin: Monday, August 25 

Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 26-Friday, November 28 

Fall Classes End: Friday, December 5 

Final Exams: Monday, December 8-Saturday, December 13 

Winter Break: Wednesday, December 24-Friday, January 2, 2026 

Please note that final exam schedules often differ from regular class schedules. Remind your student to check each course syllabus to see specific date, time, and location information for the final exam. 

AU has been a top three volunteer-producing institution since 2012.

Inspiration from an actor, president and CEO of Capital Area Food Bank, and the publisher of The Wall Street Journal headlined AU’s 149th commencement.

Jazz, NASA, physics, and Chinese language—twin brothers Ihsan and Zaki Hawkins made the most of their AU experience.

Check your inbox for communications from eaglefamilies@american.edu, visit the AU Parents & Families website, and contact the New Student and Family Programs team with any questions. We're here to assist!