Summer Session Planning Guide
This guide provides helpful information for Summer Session 2026.
It is important to be familiar with the summer session policies, as some policies are slightly different than fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Summer Session uses CLSS for all Summer Session course offerings, however the set-up is slightly different than the regular academic year so please read through all of the instructions for CLSS submittal. All reference materials and needed forms are included on the last left hand tab of this site. Forms are in PDF writable format so you can enter text directly into fields on the form, save on your computer, and return the document as an email attachment.
If you have any questions, please email Beth Julia at: summernu@northwestern.edu
Important Deadlines
NOVEMBER 10, 2025: CLSS opens for initial schedule input for Summer Session 2026.
JANUARY 16, 2026: All departments must validate initial schedule for Summer Session 2026.
JANUARY 26, 2026: Summer Session website goes live with 2026 course offerings.
MARCH 30, 2026: CAESAR live for Summer 2026 course viewing.
APRIL 6, 2026: Summer Session registration opens.
APRIL 17, 2026: Special Budget Forms for operational expenses are due (if applicable).
JUNE 22, 2026:
- SUMMER SESSION 2026 BEGINS, 8 a.m. (regular Monday schedule)
- Late Registration Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (no late fee assessed).
JUNE 22–26, 2026:
- Change of Registration week.
July 3, 2026: Holiday (buildings will be closed and no classes will meet)
PLEASE NOTE: Summer Session has ONE registration period for ALL summer courses, which includes courses that begin later in the summer. Please advise faculty and students that registration for ALL summer classes must be completed by Change of Registration week. (*Please be aware that course cancellations for low enrolled classes are finalized the first week of June to allow faculty and students time to plan, so these courses may no longer be available through the change of registration week.)