(Applies to all Degree (not approved yet), Diploma, and Certificate Programs)

1. Institutional Overview

Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies (GNI) operates on a three-term academic year following the university model:

TermDurationWeeks of InstructionFinal Exams
Fall TermSeptember – December131 week
Winter TermJanuary – April131 week
Summer TermMay – August131 week

Full-Time Studies: Each academic term includes 13 weeks of instruction followed by one week of final examinations.

Part-Time Studies: The duration varies based on the number of courses taken and may extend beyond the standard 14-week semester.

Accelerated/Modular Sessions: Shortened sessions—such as 8-week accelerated or 6-week hybrid formats—may be offered during the Summer Term to provide flexible learning options.

2. Key Academic Dates (2025–2026)

EventFall 2025Winter 2026Summer 2026
Term Begins (Classes Start)September 2, 2025January 6, 2026May 5, 2026
Late Registration / Add-Drop EndsSeptember 10, 2025January 14, 2026May 12, 2026
Last Day to Pay Fees Without PenaltySeptember 15, 2025January 20, 2026May 16, 2026
Last Day to Withdraw Without “W”September 24, 2025February 3, 2026May 28, 2026
Last Day to Withdraw (Grade “W” Recorded)November 7, 2025March 14, 2026July 10, 2026
Mid-Term Evaluation PeriodOctober 20–24, 2025February 23–27, 2026June 15–19, 2026
Final Class DayDecember 5, 2025April 10, 2026August 7, 2026
Final Examination PeriodDecember 8–13, 2025April 13–18, 2026August 10–15, 2026
Grades Due to RegistrarDecember 20, 2025April 25, 2026August 22, 2026
Convocation / Graduation WeekJune 10–14, 2026——

3. Religious, Cultural, and Statutory Holidays (Campus Closed)

DateHoliday / Observance
September 1, 2025Labour Day (BC Statutory)
October 13, 2025Thanksgiving Day
November 5, 2025Guru Nanak Parkash Diwas (Public Celebration)
November 11, 2025Remembrance Day
November 22, 2025GNI Founding Day
December 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026Winter Break
January 26, 2026Family Day
March 30, 2026Good Friday
April 14, 2026Vaisakhi (Khalsa Sirjana Divas)
May 18, 2026Victoria Day
July 1, 2026Canada Day
August 4, 2026BC Day

4. Academic Governance & Administrative Milestones

Governance Activity Fall 2025 Winter 2026 Summer 2026
Academic Council MeetingSeptember 12, 2025January 17, 2026May 16, 2026
Board of Directors MeetingOctober 16, 2025February 14, 2026June 12, 2026
Program Review Committee MeetingNovember 7, 2025March 7, 2026July 10, 2026
Research Ethics Board MeetingOctober 24, 2025February 28, 2026June 26, 2026
Faculty Evaluation & Development ReviewNovember 20, 2025March 20, 2026—
Annual Report to Board—March 30, 2026—
Academic Policy Review DeadlineOctober 30, 2025—August 21, 2026

5. Admission & Registration Deadlines

EventFall 2025Winter 2026Summer 2026
Applications OpenJanuary 15, 2025May 1, 2025September 1, 2025
Application Deadline (Domestic)August 1, 2025December 1, 2025April 1, 2026
Application Deadline (International)July 15, 2025November 15, 2025March 15, 2026
Document Submission DeadlineAugust 15, 2025December 15, 2025April 15, 2026
Orientation WeekAugust 25–29, 2025January 2–3, 2026April 29–30, 2026

6. Evaluation, Graduation, and Appeals

EventTimeline/Deadline
Final Grade Submission10 days after exam period
Academic Standing Review15 days after grade submission
Student Grade Appeal SubmissionWithin 10 business days of receiving grade
Faculty Evaluation Appeals CommitteeMeets twice annually (March & July)
Application for GraduationFebruary 28, 2026
Convocation CeremonyJune 13, 2026

7. Institutional Committees (Operational Calendar)

CommitteeFrequencyReporting Line
Academic CouncilQuarterlyBoard of Directors
Program Review CommitteeQuarterlyAcademic Council
Research Ethics BoardQuarterlyAcademic Council
Faculty Evaluation Appeals CommitteeSemi-annualAcademic Council
Student Conduct & Discipline CommitteeAs neededVice-President, Academic
Indigenous & EDI Advisory CouncilSemi-annualAcademic Council
Finance & Audit CommitteeQuarterlyBoard of Directors

8. Program Delivery Modes and Term Definitions

  • Degree Programs: Standard 13-week term + 1 exam week (BA in Sikh Studies).
  • Diploma/Certificate Programs: GNI has three intakes (January, May, September)
  • Delivery Modes: In-Class, Distance Education (100%), and Combined (Hybrid): 50% in class, 50% distance  – all synchronous.  

9. Academic Standing and Evaluation Periods

  • Mid-Term Progress Reports: Week 6 or 7 each term.
  • Final Grades Posted: Within 10 days of exams.
  • Academic Standing Reviews: Conducted by the Academic Council and Registrar each term.
  • Probation / Good Standing Notifications: Sent by email and recorded in the student portal.

10. Convocation and Academic Recognition

The Annual Convocation Ceremony is held in June to celebrate graduates from all degree, diploma, and certificate programs.
Awards include:

  • President’s Award for Academic Excellence
  • Dean’s List Distinction (Top 10%)
  • Community Engagement & Leadership Award
  • Research & Innovation Award

11. Policy References

The following institutional policies govern the operation of the Academic and Administrative Calendar:

  • Academic Governance Policy (GNI-001)
  • Institutional Quality Assurance Policy (GNI-021)
  • Academic Freedom & Integrity Policy (GNI-016)
  • Student Conduct & Discipline Policy (GNI-014)
  • Faculty Evaluation & Appeal Policy (GNI-013)
  • Admissions, Transfer Credit & PLAR Policies (GNI-042 / GNI-033)

12. Review and Publication

This calendar is reviewed annually by the Academic Council and approved by the Board of Directors before publication.

The updated calendar is published each May on the GNI website and distributed electronically to all faculty, students, and partner institutions.