Academic Calendar

Exam Schedule

College Faculty Meetings 2026-27

The first College Faculty Meeting of the 2026-2027 academic year will be held on Tuesday, September 1, in Naylor Auditorium of Gailor Hall. Dates and times are subject to change. Please refer to the college-faculty calendar before the meeting. 

Please note the dates of the forthcoming faculty meetings during the year. College Faculty Meeting agendas are sent via e-mail on Friday prior to Tuesday's meetings. All meetings will be held on Tuesdays at 12:25 p.m. in Naylor Auditorium, except as noted in bold below.

ADVENT 2026  
Tuesday, September 2, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 - 1:20 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 - 1:20 p.m.  
Tuesday, November 17, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 - 1:20 p.m.  
Tuesday, December 8, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 - 1:20 p.m. Followed by a meeting of the Faculty Senate 
   
EASTER 2027  
Tuesday, January 19, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 - 1:20 p.m.  
Tuesday, February 9, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 - 1:20 p.m.  
Tuesday, March 16, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 - 1:20 p.m.  

Thursday, April 29, Naylor Auditorium, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (please note day and time change)

 Followed by a meeting of the Faculty Senate

Joint Faculties meetings 2026-27

The first Joint Faculties meeting of the 2026-2027 academic year will be held on Tuesday, September 8, at 12:45 p.m. in Naylor Auditorium.  Dates and times are subject to change.  

ADVENT 2026
Tuesday, September 8, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 p.m.
Tuesday, October 27, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 p.m.
EASTER 2027
Tuesday, February 2, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 p.m.

Tuesday, April 20, Naylor Auditorium, 12:25 p.m.

Important Dates as We Begin the New Academic Year

August 19, 2026 FYE program begins
August 17 - 18, 2026 New Faculty Orientation
August 20, 2026 College Faculty Gathering
August 20 - 22, 2026 PRE
August 19-20, 2026 New student orientation begins
August 23 - 25, 2026 Upperclass student move-in
August 25, 2026 Honor Code Signing
August 26, 2026 Classes begin
September 1, 2026 First faculty meeting

Convocation and commencement(s)

Friday, September 18, 2026: Fall Convocation & Gowning 
Friday, January 15, 2027: Winter Convocation
Saturday, May 8, 2027: Baccalaureate
Sunday, May 9, 2027: Commencement for the Class of 2027

New Faculty Development Sessions: TENTATIVE Schedule

First-Year New Faculty Sessions, Advent 2026   Second-Year New Faculty Sessions, Advent 2026 

Wednesday, September 2 (12:00 - 1:00 pm) 

Establishing your classroom communities 

Learn strategies for creating an inclusive, engaging classroom environment where students feel welcomed, connected, and ready to learn. Participants will explore practices to build trust, foster belonging, and establish productive classroom norms.

Session led by Lauryl Tucker and Kate Cammack, Co-Directors of the Center for Teaching.

Tuesday, September 15 (12:30 - 1:30 pm) 

Case building workshop 

Develop a stronger understanding of how to document, organize, and communicate your professional accomplishments for annual reviews, promotion, and tenure. This workshop will provide guidance on CV preparation, case-building strategies, and key elements of the review process.

Session led by Deon Miles, Associate Dean for Faculty Development, and Brittany Vaughan, Associate Director for Academic Affairs.

Wednesday, September 23 (12:00 - 1:00 pm) 

Mentorship: Connected Colleagues 

Explore the role of mentorship in supporting professional growth and career development. Participants will learn how to cultivate meaningful mentoring relationships and connect with colleagues across the institution.

Session led by Deon Miles, Associate Dean for Faculty Development.

Wednesday, September 23 (12:00 - 1:00 pm) 

Mentorship: Connected Colleagues

Explore the role of mentorship in supporting professional growth and career development. Participants will learn how to cultivate meaningful mentoring relationships and connect with colleagues across the institution.

Session led by Deon Miles, Associate Dean for Faculty Development.

Monday, October 5 (12:00 - 1:00 pm) 

Supporting students in the classroom

Gain practical tools for recognizing and responding to the diverse academic, social, and personal needs students bring to the learning environment. This session will highlight strategies that promote student engagement, success, and well-being.

Session led by Lauryl Tucker and Kate Cammack, Co-Directors of the Center for Teaching.

Tuesday, September 29 (12:30 - 1:30 pm) 

Accessibility 101

Learn the foundational principles of accessible teaching and universal course design. Participants will explore practical approaches to reducing barriers and creating learning experiences that are usable and welcoming for all students.

Session led by Matt Brown, ADA Director, and Adam Hawkins, Associate Director, Instructional Technology and Design.

Wednesday, October 28 (12:00 - 1:00 pm) 

Disability 101

Develop a deeper understanding of disability as an aspect of human diversity and learn about the experiences of students with disabilities in higher education. This session will introduce key concepts, common accommodations, and inclusive practices that support student success.

Session led by Diane Dekker, Associate Director, Student Accessibility Services.

Tuesday, October 20 (12:30 - 1:30 pm) 

Supporting students in writing and speaking 

Learn about the resources and approaches we have on campus for helping students develop their writing and speaking voices. We will discuss common issues or questions we see in the Sewanee Writing Center and the Center for Speaking and Listening, and get feedback from participants as to how we can respond to what they are seeing in their own classrooms. (No longer an AI description – initial edits by SB)

Session led by Stephanie Batkie, Director of The Writing Center, and Melody Lehn and Sean O'Rourke, Co-Directors of the Center for Speaking and Listening.

Wednesday, November 18 (12:00 - 1:00 pm) 

Syllabus workshop

Create a syllabus that clearly communicates expectations, supports student learning, and reflects your teaching philosophy. Participants will review effective syllabus design practices and leave with ideas for strengthening their own course materials.

Session led by Lauryl Tucker and Kate Cammack, Co-Directors of the Center for Teaching.

 Tuesday, November 3 (12:30 - 1:30 pm) 

Supporting students in STEM and research 

Examine approaches for supporting student learning, persistence, and engagement in STEM disciplines. This session will also address effective practices for mentoring undergraduate researchers, fostering both academic and professional growth.

Session led by Kate Cammack, Co-Director of the Center for Teaching, and Ross Sowell, Co-Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship.

EASTER 2027
TBD