Dear UC Berkeley Student,
We are writing to share an important update regarding the campus academic calendar. Following two years of extensive consultation and deliberation, the Council of Undergraduate Deans (CUD) has reached a decision to adjust the add/drop deadline.
Starting in the fall 2027 semester, the add/drop deadline will move forward by one week, falling on the third week of classes — typically the tenth day of instruction — instead of the fourth week. The revised deadlines are:
- Fall 2027 Semester: Wednesday, September 8, 2027
- Spring 2027 Semester: Tuesday, February 1, 2027
Please note that there will be no change to the Early Drop Deadline at this time.
Why This Change is Happening
We recognize that the change in date for the add/drop deadline has been a subject of significant debate across our campus. This decision was not made lightly, and it follows two years of engagement with faculty, advising leaders, enrollment managers, and campus-wide offices, including the Office of the Registrar and Financial Aid. We also closely consulted with the Academic Senate and heard directly from your student representatives in the ASUC.
Currently, many students are unable to enroll in degree-essential courses because seats remain occupied by those who may not intend to complete the course. By moving the deadline earlier, we aim to:
Free up seats sooner for students on waitlists who need specific courses to stay on track for graduation.
Reduce difficulty for students joining courses later in the term after significant content has already been covered.
We understand that students and the broader Berkeley community hold diverse perspectives on this shift. We want to acknowledge the advocacy of the ASUC and the many students who voiced concerns regarding the flexibility needed to navigate our rigorous academic environment.
We are sharing this now, well in advance of the fall 2027 implementation, to ensure that you, your advisors, and the broader campus community have ample time to prepare for this transition.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the add/drop deadline decision, please contact the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at vpue@berkeley.edu.
For technical inquiries regarding the enrollment calendar, deadlines, or registration procedures, please submit a case via Cal Student Central.
Sincerely,
Oliver M. O’Reilly
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Sarah Reed
University Registrar