Vanguard University operates on a three 16-week semester term academic calendar.  The new academic calendar year in late August; and may have eight- and five-week mini session built within the overall term. The university's Academic Calendar can be accessed online. 

Fall Semester Term —The semester normally is scheduled from late August to the Christmas Holiday.

• For traditional undergraduate students, a normal load for the fall term is twelve to eighteen credits. Students receiving Cal Grant aid are encouraged to enroll in 15 credits during the Fall and Spring term.
• Students enrolled in the Professional and Non-Traditional Programs are required to take a minimum of 9 credits to maintain full-time status each term.
• Students enrolled in the Graduate programs are required to take between 6-9 credits to maintain full-time status each term.

Spring Semester Term —The semester normally is scheduled from early January to early May.

• For traditional undergraduate students, a normal load for the fall term is twelve to eighteen credits. Students receiving Cal Grant aid are encouraged to enroll in 15 credits during the Fall and Spring term.
• Students enrolled in the Professional and Non-Traditional Programs are required to take a minimum of 9 credits to maintain full-time status each term.
• Students enrolled in the Graduate programs are required to take between 6-9 credits to maintain full-time status each term.

Summer Semester Term —The Summer term, which normally is scheduled from mid-May through early July.

• Students enrolled in the traditional undergraduate students may enroll in courses during the summer term, but will need to consult their financial aid counselor to see if aid is available.
• Students enrolled in the Professional and Non-Traditional Programs are required to take a minimum of 9 credits to maintain full-time status each term; covered by financial aid.
• Students enrolled in the Graduate programs are required to take between 6-9 credits to maintain full-time status each term; covered by financial aid.  Graduate students are encouraged to speak with their program coordinator to determine if summer sessions are required or optional.