12-week term and fall reading week

Beginning in the 2023 academic year, a reading week is being implemented in the fall term along with the established reading week that takes place in the winter term. The reading weeks were created to offer a pause in structured academic activities each term so that students can catch up on work and visit friends and family, and to offer faculty a break from teaching to focus on research and preparation for future course work. The following guidelines were developed to provide clarity on the reading weeks.

• The University will remain open during each reading week.
• Optional activities may take place on our campuses to support student success and faculty development.
• No test or quiz will be administered, nor will any assignment be due during the fall or winter reading weeks.
• Only deferred and supplemental exams from the previous semester may be held during the reading weeks.
• No academic activity or event that requires mandatory attendance will be scheduled.
• Internship/fieldwork/co-op and work-integrated learning hours will continue during the reading weeks. No assignment will be due and no course meeting will be scheduled and students are encouraged to take a break if they are on track with hours and external agency requirements.
• Other than the President’s holiday during the winter reading week, working hours will remain the same for staff.

The Centre for Teaching and Learning is available to provide support in the transition to the 12-week term and has prepared a guide to moving to a 12-week term for faculty members. 

The shift to a 12-week term was a decision made by Concordia's Senate to permit the university to add a week-long break around the Thanksgiving weekend, and to allow more time between terms. Many other Canadian universities also offer a fall reading week.

The latest information, including resources for faculty, are available on this page. Other questions or concerns can be addressed to twelveweekterm@concordia.ca. Information sessions were also held in spring and fall 2022.

The exam period remains the same and there is no impact on class assignments. Students can use the fall reading week to catch up on their academic work and work on any course assignments. 

No. Registration timing remains the same.

No. Student services' availability remains the same.

The 12-week term and fall reading week does not affect accredited programs. Any concerns or questions related to accredited programs can be directed to twelveweeksemester@concordia.ca.

The 12-week term and fall reading week does not change eligibility for internships. Any concerns or questions related to internships or work terms at the Institute of Co-operative Education can be directed to twelveweeksemester@concordia.ca.

The libraries and services are open during the fall reading week.

Yes, a variety of activities for students and faculty will be held on our two campuses. Take a look at what's happening during reading week.

No courses are scheduled during the fall reading week. Programs and services are offered for students during this break, but attendance is not required.

Yes. The full summer term will shift from 13 weeks to 12 weeks in length. The first and second summer terms will shift from 6.5 weeks each to 6 weeks each.

The 12-week terms begin in summer 2023, and continue in fall and winter.