Academic Calendar
Summer Semester 2026

Summer Degree Conferral

Date Event
Thursday, July 2, 2026 Graduation Deadline: Last day for undergraduate-level students to submit an online Application for Degree for August (Summer) degree conferral with the Office of the Registrar via ESTHER
Graduation Deadline: Last day for graduate-level students to submit an online Application for Degree for August (Summer) degree conferral with the Office of the Registrar via ESTHER
Graduation Deadline: Last day for graduate-level August (Summer) degree candidates to file the following applicable forms in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (see GPS Forms page) for August (Summer) degree conferral:
  • Thesis Master's Candidacy Petition Form
  • Non-Thesis Master's Petition for Certification Form
  • Candidacy Master's Degree Form
  • Doctoral Candidacy Petition Form
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Graduation Deadline: Last day for Rice faculty Official Certifiers to review, submit petitions, and certify undergraduate and graduate-level August (Summer) degree candidates via Degree Works
Friday, August 14, 2026 Graduation Deadline: Last day for graduate-level students to submit thesis in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for August (Summer) degree conferral by 12:00 noon
Graduation Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit final grades to resolve "Incomplete" (INC) grades for courses taken in the previous Spring semester (for Summer degree candidates)
Friday, August 21, 2026 Graduation Deadline: Last day for undergraduate and graduate-level August (Summer) degree candidates to submit non-Rice final transcript for transfer credit for August (Summer) degree conferral, if applicable
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Graduation Deadline: Last day for undergraduate-level August (Summer) degree candidates to convert a "Pass/Fail" to an earned letter grade for courses taken in Summer semester
Monday, August 31, 2026 GRADUATION: Degrees Awarded for August (Summer) degree recipients
{with a degree conferral date of August 31, 2026}
Tuesday, December 8, 2026 GRADUATION: December Commencement Ceremony (for Summer and Fall 2026 degree recipients). For information, please visit commencement.rice.edu

Summer Sessions

Unless otherwise noted, dates and information apply to both Rice undergraduate and graduate students. Students are charged per credit hour; LPAP billed @ 1 hour. Early matriculants are charged an additional Health Services Fee.

Summer Session 1: May 4 - August 14, 2026 (15 weeks, Full Term Non-Research Courses)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Monday, April 27, 2026 Deadline: Last day to apply to be a visiting student for Summer Session 1 (with all appropriate and required paperwork)
Monday, May 4, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER SESSION 1
Monday, May 4, 2026 Summer Registration Continues: Late Registration continues for undergraduate and graduate students online via ESTHER
Deadline (Confirm Registration): Last day for visiting students to confirm registration and complete orientation for Summer Session 1
Friday, May 15, 2026 Deadline: Last day to add courses for the (full-term) Summer Session 1 online via ESTHER
Deadline: Last day to adjust variable credit for courses online via ESTHER
Deadline: Last day to complete late registration for the (full-term) Summer Session 1 online via ESTHER
Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 100% refund of tuition for the (full-term)Summer Session 1 online via ESTHER
Friday, May 22, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 80% refund of tuition for the (full-term) Summer Session 1 online via ESTHER
Monday, May 25, 2026 MEMORIAL DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, May 29, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 70% refund of tuition for the (full-term) Summer Session 1 online via ESTHER
Friday, June 5, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 60% refund of tuition for the (full-term) Summer Session 1 online via ESTHER
Friday, June 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 50% refund of tuition for the (full-term) Summer Session 1 online via ESTHER
Friday, June 19, 2026 JUNETEENTH (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, June 19, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses for the (full-term) Summer Session 1 online via ESTHER

Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 40% refund of tuition for the (full-term) Summer Session 1 online via ESTHER

Deadline: Last day to designate as "Audit" a course for which one is currently registered for credit in the (full-term) Summer Session I (via Special Registration Form - Instructor Permission Required)
Friday, July 3, 2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, July 10, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course as "Pass/Fail" a course for which one is currently registered for the (full-term) Summer Session I (via Special Registration Form) form at the Office of the Registrar (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, August 14, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER SESSION I
Friday, August 21, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit final grades for all students for the (full-term) Summer Session 1 online via ESTHER by 5:00 p.m.
Friday, August 28, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit final grades to resolve "Other" (OT) and "Incomplete" (INC) grades for courses taken in the previous Summer semester

Full (and Internship) Summer Session: May 4 - August 14, 2026 (15 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Monday, May 4, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF FULL SUMMER TERM
Monday, May 4, 2026 Summer Registration Continues: Late Registration continues for undergraduate and graduate students online via ESTHER
Friday, May 15, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 100% refund of tuition for the Full Summer Session online via ESTHER
Friday, May 22, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 80% refund of tuition for the Full Summer Session online via ESTHER
Monday, May 25, 2026 MEMORIAL DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, May 29, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 70% refund of tuition for the Full Summer Session online via ESTHER
Friday, June 5, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 60% refund of tuition for the Full Summer Session online via ESTHER
Friday, June 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 50% refund of tuition for the Full Summer Session online via ESTHER
Friday, June 19, 2026 JUNETEENTH (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, June 19, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses for the Full Summer Session online via ESTHER
Deadline: Last day to drop courses with a 40% refund of tuition for the Full Summer Session online via ESTHER

Deadline: Last day to designate as "Audit" a course for which one is currently registered for credit in the Full Summer Session (via Special Registration Form - Instructor Permission Required)
Friday, July 3, 2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, July 10, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course as "Pass/Fail" for Full Summer Session (via Special Registration Form) at the Office of the Registrar (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, August 14, 2026

Deadline: Last day to add courses for the Full Summer Session online via ESTHER

Friday, August 14, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF FULL SUMMER TERM
Friday, August 21, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit final grades for all students for the Full Summer Session online via ESTHER by 5:00 p.m.
Friday, August 28, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit final grades to resolve "Other" (OT) and "Incomplete" (INC) grades for courses taken in the previous Summer semester

Summer Block A1: May 11 - May 29, 2026 (3 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Monday, May 4, 2026 Deadline: Last day to apply to be a visiting student for Summer Block A1 (with all appropriate and required paperwork)
Sunday, May 10, 2026 Deadline: Last day to add courses via ESTHER for Summer Block A1
Monday, May 11, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER BLOCK A1
Monday, May 11, 2026

Deadline (Late Registration): Last day for degree-seeking Rice students to register for Summer Block A1; may register in the Office of the Registrar via the appropriate paperwork with a Late Registration Fee

Deadline (Confirm Registration): Last day for visiting students to confirm registration and complete orientation for Summer Block A1
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Block A1
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive an 80% refund of tuition for Summer Block A1
Thursday, May 14, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 50% refund of tuition for Summer Block A1 {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Block A1

Deadline: Last day to designate as "Audit" a course in which one is currently registered for credit (via Special Registration Form) for Summer Block A1 - Instructor Permission Required

Friday, May 22, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Block A1 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Monday, May 25, 2026 MEMORIAL DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, May 29, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER BLOCK A1
Friday, June 5, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Block A1

Summer Block B1: May 11 - June 26, 2026 (7 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Monday, May 4, 2026 Deadline: Last day to apply to be a visiting student for Summer Block B1 (with all appropriate and required paperwork)
Sunday, May 10, 2026 Deadline: Last day to add courses via ESTHER for Summer Block B1
Monday, May 11, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER BLOCK B1
Monday, May 11, 2026

Deadline (Late Registration): Last day for degree-seeking Rice students to register for Summer Block B1; may register in the Office of the Registrar via the appropriate paperwork with a Late Registration Fee

Deadline (Confirm Registration): Last day for visiting students to confirm registration and complete orientation for Summer Block B1
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Block B1
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive an 80% refund of tuition for Summer Block B1
Thursday, May 14, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 50% refund of tuition for Summer Block B1 (There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date)
Monday, May 25, 2026 MEMORIAL DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Block B1

Deadline: Last day to designate as "Audit" a course in which one is currently registered for credit (via Special Registration Form) for Summer Block B1 - Instructor Permission Required
Friday, June 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Block B1 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 19, 2026 JUNETEENTH (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, June 26, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER BLOCK B1
Friday, July 3, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Block B1

Summer Block C1: May 18 - June 26, 2026 (6 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Monday, May 11, 2026 Deadline: Last day to apply to be a visiting student for Summer Block C1 (with all appropriate and required paperwork)
Sunday, May 17, 2026 Deadline: Last day to add courses via ESTHER for Summer Block C1
Monday, May 18, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER BLOCK C1
Monday, May 18, 2026

Deadline (Late Registration): Last day for degree-seeking Rice students to register for Summer Block C1; may register in the Office of the Registrar via the apropriate paperwork with a Late Registration Fee

Deadline (Confirm Registration): Last day for visiting students to confirm registration and complete orientation for Summer Block C1
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Block C1
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive an 80% refund of tuition for Summer Block C1
Thursday, May 21, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 50% refund of tuition for Summer Block C1 {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Monday, May 25, 2026 MEMORIAL DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, June 5, 2026

Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Block C1

Deadline: Last day to designate as "Audit" a course in which one is currently registered for credit (via Special Registration Form) for Summer Block C1 - Instructor Permission Required
Friday, June 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Block C1 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 19, 2026 JUNETEENTH (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, June 26, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER BLOCK C1
Friday, July 3, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Block C1

Summer Block D1: June 1 - August 7, 2026 (10 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Deadline: Last day to apply to be a visiting student for Summer Block D1 (with all appropriate and required paperwork)
Sunday, May 31, 2026 Deadline: Last day to add courses via ESTHER for Summer Block D1
Monday, June 1, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER BLOCK D1
Monday, June 1, 2026

Deadline (Late Registration): Last day for degree-seeking Rice students to register for Summer Block D1; may register in the Office of the Registrar via the appropriate paperwork with a Late Registration Fee

Deadline (Confirm Registration): Last day for visiting students to confirm registration and complete orientation for Summer Block D1
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Block D1
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive an 80% refund of tuition for Summer Block D1
Thursday, June 4, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 50% refund of tuition for Summer Block D1 {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Friday, June 19, 2026 JUNETEENTH (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Thursday, July 2, 2026

Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Block D1

Deadline: Last day to designate as "Audit" a course in which one is currently registered for credit (via Special Registration Form) for Summer Block D1 - Instructor Permission Required
Friday, July 3, 2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, July 17, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Block D1 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, August 7, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER BLOCK D1
Friday, August 14, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Block D1

Summer Block E1: June 15 - July 31, 2026 (7 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Monday, June 8, 2026 Deadline: Last day to apply to be a visiting student for Summer Block E1 (with all appropriate and required paperwork)
Sunday, June 14, 2026 Deadline: Last day to add courses via ESTHER for Summer Block E1
Monday, June 15, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER BLOCK E1
Monday, June 15, 2026

Deadline (Late Registration): Last day for degree-seeking Rice students to register for Summer Block E1; may register in the Office of the Registrar via the appropriate paperwork with a Late Registration Fee

Deadline (Confirm Registration): Last day for visiting students to confirm registration and complete orientation for Summer Block E1
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Block E1
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive an 80% refund of tuition for Summer Block E1
Friday, June 19, 2026 JUNETEENTH (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, June 19, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 50% refund of tuition for Summer Block E1 {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Friday, July 3, 2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Block E1

Deadline: Last day to designate as "Audit" a course in which one is currently registered for credit (via Special Registration Form) for Summer Block E1 - Instructor Permission Required
Friday, July 17, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Block E1 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, July 31, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER BLOCK E1
Friday, August 7, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Block E1

Summer Block B2: June 29 - August 14, 2026 (7 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Monday, June 22, 2026 Deadline: Last day to apply to be a visiting student for Summer Block B2 (with all appropriate and required paperwork)
Sunday, June 28, 2026 Deadline: Last day to add courses via ESTHER for Summer Block B2
Monday, June 29, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER BLOCK B2
Monday, June 29, 2026

Deadline (Late Registration): Last day for degree-seeking Rice students to register for Summer Block B2; may register in the Office of the Registrar via the appropriate paperwork with a Late Registration Fee

Deadline (Confirm Registration): Last day for visiting students to confirm registration and complete orientation for Summer Block B2
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Block B2
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive an 80% refund of tuition for Summer Block B2
Thursday, July 2, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 50% refund of tuition for Summer Block B2 {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Friday, July 3, 2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Block B2

Deadline: Last day to designate as "Audit" a course in which one is currently registered for credit (via Special Registration Form) for Summer Block B2 - Instructor Permission Required
Friday, July 31, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Block B2 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, August 14, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER BLOCK B2
Friday, August 21, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Block B2

Summer Block C2: July 6 - August 14, 2026 (6 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Monday, June 29, 2026 Deadline: Last day to apply to be a visiting student for Summer Block C2 (with all appropriate and required paperwork)
Sunday, July 5, 2026 Deadline: Last day to add courses via ESTHER for Summer Block C2
Monday, July 6, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER BLOCK C2
Monday, July 6, 2026

Deadline (Late Registration): Last day for degree-seeking Rice students to register for Summer Block C2; may register in the Office of the Registrar via the appropriate paperwork with a Late Registration Fee

Deadline (Confirm Registration): Last day for visiting students to confirm registration and complete orientation for Summer Block C2
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Block C2
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive an 80% refund of tuition for Summer Block C2
Thursday, July 9, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 50% refund of tuition for Summer Block C2 {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Friday, July 24, 2026

Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Block C2

Deadline: last day to designate as "Audit" a course in which one is currently registered for credit (via Special Registration Form) for Summer Block C2 - Instructor Permission Required
Friday, July 31, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Block C2 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, August 14, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER BLOCK C2
Friday, August 21, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Block C2

Rice in Country 1: May 11, 2026 - June 19, 2026 (5 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 Rice in Country 1 session begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Friday, February 27, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Rice in Country 1; no late registration available
Monday, March 2, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 100% refund of tuition for Rice in Country 1; {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Monday, May 11, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF RICE IN COUNTRY 1
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Rice in Country 1
Friday, June 5, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Rice in Country 1 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 19, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF RICE IN COUNTRY 1
Friday, June 26, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Rice in Country 1

Rice in Country 2: May 11, 2026 - June 19, 2026 (5 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 Rice in Country 2 session begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Rice in Country 2; no late registration available
Monday, March 2, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 100% refund of tuition for Rice in Country 2; {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Monday, May 11, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF RICE IN COUNTRY 2
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Rice in Country 2
Friday, June 5, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Rice in Country 2 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 19, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF RICE IN COUNTRY 2
Friday, June 26, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Rice in Country 2

Rice in Country 3: May 11, 2026 - July 3, 2026 (8 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 Rice in Country 3 session begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Friday, February 27, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Rice in Country 3; no late registration available
Monday, March 2, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 100% refund of tuition for Rice in Country 3; {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Monday, May 11, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF RICE IN COUNTRY 3
Friday, June 5, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Rice in Country 3
Monday, June 15, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Rice in Country 3 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, July 3, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF RICE IN COUNTRY 3
Friday, July 10, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Rice in Country 3

Rice in Country 4: May 13, 2026 - June 26, 2025 (6 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 Rice in Country 4 session begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Friday, February 27, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Rice in Country 4; no late registration available
Monday, March 2, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 100% refund of tuition for Rice in Country 4; {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF RICE IN COUNTRY 4
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Rice in Country 4
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Rice in Country 4 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 26, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF RICE IN COUNTRY 4
Friday, July 3, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Rice in Country 4

Rice in Country 5: May 17, 2026 - June 27, 2025 (6 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 Rice in Country 5 session begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Friday, February 27, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Rice in Country 5; no late registration available
Monday, March 2, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 100% refund of tuition for Rice in Country 5; {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Sunday, May 17, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF RICE IN COUNTRY 5
Friday, June 5, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Rice in Country 5
Friday, June 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Rice in Country 5 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Saturday, June 27, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF RICE IN COUNTRY 5
Friday, July 3, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Rice in Country 5

Rice in Country 6: May 18, 2026 - June 26, 2025 (6 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 Rice in Country 6 session begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Friday, February 27, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Rice in Country 6; no late registration available
Monday, March 2, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a 100% refund of tuition for Rice in Country 6; {There will be no pro-rated refunds after this date}
Monday, May 18, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF RICE IN COUNTRY 6
Friday, June 5, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Rice in Country 6
Friday, June 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Rice in Country 6 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 26, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF RICE IN COUNTRY 6
Friday, July 3, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Rice in Country 6

Summer Paris 1: May 18 - June 5, 2026 (3 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Monday, March 16, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Summer Paris 1
Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Paris 1
Monday, May 18, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER PARIS 1
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Paris 1
Friday, May 29, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Paris 1 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 5, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER PARIS 1
Friday, June 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Paris 1

Summer Paris 2: June 10 - June 30, 2026 (3 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Monday, March 16, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Summer Paris 2
Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Paris 2
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER PARIS 2
Friday, June 19, 2026 JUNETEENTH (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Paris 2
Sunday, June 21, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Paris 2 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER PARIS 2
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Paris 2

Summer Paris 3: July 6 - July 24, 2026 (3 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Monday, March 16, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Summer Paris 3
Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Paris 3
Monday, July 6, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER PARIS 3
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Paris 3
Friday, July 17, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Paris 3 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, July 24, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER PARIS 3
Friday, July 31, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Paris 3

Summer Session 2: July 13 - July 24, 2026 (2 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Summer Session 2
Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Session 2
Monday, July 13, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER SESSION 2
Monday, July 20, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Session 2
Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Session 2 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, July 24, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER SESSION 2
Friday, July 31, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Session 2

Summer Session 3: May 11 - June 5, 2026 (4 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Friday, March 20, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Summer Session 3
Friday, May 1, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Session 3
Monday, May 11, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER SESSION 3
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Session 3
Thursday, May 28, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Session 3 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 5, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER SESSION 3
Friday, June 12, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Session 3

Summer Session 4: May 12 - June 12, 2026 (4 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Friday, March 20, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Summer Session 4
Friday, May 1, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Session 4
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER SESSION 4
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Session 4
Monday, June 1, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Session 4 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 12, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER SESSION 4
Friday, June 19, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Session 4

Summer Session 5: May 18 - June 12, 2026 (4 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Friday, March 20, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Summer Session 5
Friday, May 1, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Session 5
Monday, May 18, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER SESSION 5
Friday, May 29, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Session 5
Thursday, June 4, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Session 5 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 12, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER SESSION 5
Friday, June 19, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Session 5

Summer Session 6: June 3 - June 26, 2026 (3 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Friday, March 20, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Summer Session 6
Friday, May 1, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer Session 6
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER SESSION 6
Monday, June 15, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer Session 6
Thursday, June 18, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer Session 6 (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 26, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER SESSION 6
Friday, July 3, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer Session 6


Summer 1st Half of Full Term: May 4 - June 19, 2026 (7 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Sunday, May 3, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Summer 1st Half of Full Term
Monday, May 4, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER 1ST HALF OF FULL TERM
Friday, May 8, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer 1st Half of Full Term
Monday, May 25, 2026 MEMORIAL DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Thursday, May 28, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer 1st Half of Full Term
Friday, June 5, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer 1st Half of Full Term (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, June 19, 2026 JUNETEENTH (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Friday, June 19, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER 1ST HALF OF FULL TERM
Friday, June 26, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer 1st Half of Full Term

Summer 2nd Half of Full Term: June 29 - August 14, 2026 (7 weeks)

Date Event
Friday, December 5, 2025 Summer Registration: Registration for Summer 2026 begins for currently enrolled degree-seeking Rice undergraduate and graduate students via ESTHER
Applications: Visiting student application process opens for Summer 2026
Sunday, June 28, 2026 Deadline: Last day to register for Summer 2nd Half of Full Term
Monday, June 29, 2026 FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
START OF SUMMER 2ND HALF OF FULL TERM
Friday, July 3, 2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY (HOLIDAY - NO SCHEDULED CLASSES)
Monday, July 6, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER and receive a full 100% refund of tuition and fees for Summer 2nd Half of Full Term
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Deadline: Last day to drop courses via ESTHER for Summer 2nd Half of Full Term
Friday, July 31, 2026 Deadline: Last day to designate a course online via ESTHER as "Pass/Fail" for Summer 2nd Half of Full Term (Rice degree-seeking students only)
Friday, August 14, 2026 LAST DAY OF CLASSES
END OF SUMMER 2ND HALF OF FULL TERM
August 21, 2026 Deadline: Last day for instructors to submit grades via ESTHER for Summer 2nd Half of Full Term