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Parents newsletter - December 2025
The end of the term is near, and the holiday break is right around the corner! Before the break, students are wrapping up coursework and preparing to write their final exams.
This can be a busy and stressful time of year, but your Raven doesn’t have to go through it alone. If your student needs support, Carleton has a wide range of wellness resources and academic services.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Friday, December 5, 2025: Fall term ends. Classes follow a Monday schedule.
Monday, December 9 to Saturday, December 20, 2025: Final examinations in full fall and late fall term courses and mid-term examinations in fall/winter courses will be held.
Wednesday, December 24 to Sunday, January 4, 2026: Holiday break. University closed.
Preparing for a Successful End of Term
Exam time is often stressful. Your student should take breaks, prioritize their sleep and maintain good eating habits. Carleton has many helpful services and resources to support students through the end of the term.
Fall Term Exams
Fall term final exams and fall/winter course mid-terms take place from Monday, December 8 to Saturday, December 20, 2025. Scheduling and Examination Services’ Exam Support Network operates during the final exam period from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. to help with any exam-related issues, questions and emergencies.
Study Spaces on Campus
Is your student looking for places to prepare for exams or collaborate on group projects? They can book study space in the library. Group study spaces in designated classrooms are also available and can be booked through the Enterprise Portal.
Centre for Student Academic Support (CSAS) Exam Support
If your student needs support with exam preparation this month, the Centre for Student Academic Support (CSAS) has a range learning support workshops on Brightspace, including test and exam preparation. This workshop provides your student with the opportunity to identify key strategies for effective exam preparation, learn effective and ineffective academic success strategies, describe appropriate actions to take at the start of an exam and more.
Deferred Exam(s) in the Event of Illness
If your student becomes ill during the December examination period and needs to apply for a deferral, please visit the Registrar's Office website for the most up-to-date information on eligibility, deadlines, application and documentation.
Holiday Closure Schedule 2025-2026
Carleton University will be closed from end of business hours on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 through Sunday, January 4, 2026 inclusive for the holiday season, re-opening on Monday, January 5, 2026. During this time, all campus buildings will be locked. Read the full post for more details about the restricted access of specific buildings and services.
Outgoing Exchange Program—Applications Due Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The deadline to apply for the 2026-2027 outgoing exchange program is Wednesday, December 10, 2025. This is your student’s chance to study abroad at one of Carleton’s partner institutions and experience a life-changing adventure. Students will immerse themselves in a new culture, gain fresh academic perspectives and build intercultural skills that will set them apart in today’s labour market. Encourage your student to apply for the outgoing exchange program today and make the world their classroom!
Is Your Student’s Course Registered with the Incentive Program?
Encourage your student to visit the Centre for Student Academic Support website to check if their course is registered with the Incentive Program. The Incentive Program supports student growth through participation in learning and writing support workshops. These workshops are designed to help students develop effective academic skills and study strategies. Students gain a course incentive by completing online learning and writing support workshops through Brightspace.
Your Student Can Become a Student Governor
The Carleton University Board of Governors is seeking expressions of interest from students to serve a one-year term for the 2026-2027 board year. Interested students must attend a virtual board 101 information session on Monday, January 12 or Thursday, January 15, 2026. The deadline to submit an expression of interest is Friday, January 23, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Winter Career & Networking Fair: Here’s What Your Student Needs to Know
Registration for the Winter Career & Networking Fair is open! Students can attend this important career-planning event on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, to discover who is hiring, learn what employers are looking for in new hires and practice their networking skills – all without leaving campus. Visit mySuccess to learn more and register.
International Student Employment Program
Is your international student looking for paid work in the winter term? The International Student Employment Program can help them develop their skills and connect with recruiting employers.
When Your Student Can Expect Their Final Grades
Final grades for fall term courses will be available through Carleton360 and Carleton Mobile. Instructors generally have 10 calendar days after the date of the final examination to submit grades. Once submitted, it will take a few days for the final grades to be approved. If your student has outstanding fees for the fall term, access to their fall final grades will be withheld until the university receives payment.
Check Student Timetable Before January
Prior to the beginning of the winter term, your student should verify their winter term registration is in order. They can click “timetable” in Carleton360. Helpful information and how to videos to assist with registration are available on the Registration website. Your student can adjust their full and late winter term schedule until Friday, January 16, 2026.
Academic Continuation Evaluation
Students will be assessed under the Academic Continuation Evaluation (ACE) process in late January 2026. This academic evaluation assessment happens each term. Students will receive their first evaluation after having completed 5.5 Carleton credits, and subsequently each term thereafter provided they have completed at least one course in the term of evaluation.
Summer Schedule Available End of December
The summer term class schedule will be available on Friday, December 19, 2025 in Carleton360 and the public class schedule. Registration for summer term opens in March 2026 based on time-tickets.
Highlights from Around Carleton
Office of the Vice-President (Students & Enrolment)
503 Tory Building
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1S 5B6
