Academic calendar
Fall Semester 2026 runs Sep 2, 2026 – Jan 22, 2027. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.
- Spring Semester 2026
- Fall Semester 2026Relevant now
- Spring Semester 2027
Campus language
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Showing 98 of 98 terms
A
- A&O
- A&O Productions, the student group responsible for organizing major concerts, speakers, and films.
- ACT
- The Action Card Office, which manages student IDs and campus debit accounts.
- All Access
- The basic meal plan required for students living in residence halls, allowing unlimited visits to Lakeside Dining Hall
- Allison
- Allison Hall, a residence hall on the south end of campus known for its popular dining hall.
- Allison
- The dining hall located within Allison Hall on South Campus.
- ASG
- Associated Student Government, the primary student representative body.
B
- Bama Bound
- The mandatory orientation program for all incoming freshmen and transfer students.
- Bat Houses
- A unique campus attraction where thousands of bats emerge at sunset, located near the Lakeside dorms
- Block Meals
- Meal credits that can be used at Lakeside Dining Hall or various retail locations across campus
- Bobbs
- Bobbs-McCulloch Hall, a residential building often housing freshmen.
- BSU
- Black Student Union, an organization dedicated to the interests and community of Black students
- Burke
- Burke Hall, which includes both East and West wings and is known for its proximity to the Burke Dining Hall.
- Burke
- Burke Dining Hall, a smaller dining facility located on the south side of campus.
C
- CFL
- Center for Leadership, an organization focused on student leadership development and service-learning.
- College Coffee
- A long-standing weekly tradition where students and faculty gather for coffee and donuts.
- CREDE
- Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education, a support and resource hub for students of color.
D
- D-Nades
- Downstairs Colonnades, specifically referring to the dining and common areas in the lower level of the Colonnades buildings.
- Damen
- Damen Dining Hall, the central dining facility located in the Damen Student Center.
- Dan
- Danieley Center Neighborhood, a residential area on the edge of the main campus.
- Dillo Day
- Armadillo Day, the largest student-run music festival in the country, held annually in the spring.
- DM
- Northwestern University Dance Marathon, one of the largest student-run philanthropy events in the world.
- DN
- de Nobili Hall, a residential and dining complex on the north end of campus.
- DN
- de Nobili Dining Hall, located in the de Nobili residential complex.
- Doba
- The Qdoba Mexican Grill located within the Danieley Commons.
- DOP
- Department of Programming, the student-led board responsible for major campus events.
E
- Elder
- Elder Residential Community, a residence hall located on the far north end of campus.
- Elder
- The dining hall located within Elder Residential Community.
- Elon Bubble
- The perceived social and cultural isolation of the campus from the surrounding community.
F
- Fresh Food
- The Fresh Food Company, a popular dining hall located near the center of campus known for its variety of stations.
G
- Gator Corner
- The primary dining hall used by students living in the Lakeside Residential Complex at UF
- Gators
- The collective term for students, alumni, and fans of the university, derived from the mascot.
- GLOW
- Gay, Lesbian, Or Whatever; the primary LGBTQ+ student affinity group
- GSL
- Global Service Learning, a prominent service and travel program at Lakeside School.
I
- IRHA
- Inter-Residence Hall Association, the student government body representing all on-campus residents.
L
- Lake Alice
- A prominent campus lake known for its wildlife, located near the Lakeside residential area
- Lakeside
- The Lakeside Residential Complex, often referred to simply as Lakeside by students living on the west side of campus.
- Lakeside
- Lakeside Dining Hall, the primary dining facility for students living in the Lakeside and Honors residential areas.
- Lakeside 1-4
- The individual buildings within the Lakeside Residential Complex, typically identified by their numbers.
- Lakeside Dining
- The primary dining facility located within the Lakeside Residential Complex at the University of Florida.
- Lakeside East
- One of the two main residential buildings in the Lakeside community at the University of Alabama
- Lakeside East/West
- The primary residential buildings within the Lakeside complex at the University of Alabama.
- Lakeside West
- The second of the two main residential buildings in the Lakeside community at the University of Alabama
- Late Night
- Late Night at Lakeside, a popular late-night dining option available at the Lakeside Dining Hall.
- Lu's
- Lu's Old Fashioned Deli and Pub, a popular on-campus eatery in the Terry Student Center.
M
- May Day
- An annual spring tradition featuring a student-planned carnival and community competitions
- Mertz
- Mertz Hall, the largest freshman residence hall on the Lake Shore Campus.
N
- Nades
- Colonnades, a residential neighborhood near the Lakeside area often referred to by this shorthand.
- NASA
- Native American Student Alliance, a group for Native students to share common experiences and promote awareness
- NBN
- North by Northwestern, a student-run news magazine and website.
- Norris
- Norris University Center, which houses various retail dining options like Starbucks and MOD Pizza.
- NPHC
- National Pan-Hellenic Council, the coordinating body for the historically African American Greek-letter organizations (Divine Nine)
O
- OIT
- Office of Information Technology, the department responsible for campus Wi-Fi, email, and technical support.
- Orange and Blue
- The official school colors, frequently used to describe campus spirit and attire.
P
- Paty
- Paty Hall, a traditional-style residence hall known for its central location and engineering-focused community.
- Plex
- Foster-Walker Complex, a large residential building known for its single rooms and central location.
- Plex Dining
- The dining facilities located within the Foster-Walker Complex.
- Pres
- Presidential Village (Presidential I and II), a large suite-style residential community located near the north end of campus.
- Purple Pride
- The general term for school spirit and loyalty to the university.
R
- RHA
- Residence Hall Association, representing the interests of students living on campus.
- Ridgecrest
- The Ridgecrest residential community, consisting of East, West, and South buildings, primarily housing honors students.
- Roll Tide
- The universal greeting, cheer, and sign-off used by students, alumni, and fans.
S
- SAAG
- South Asian Affinity Group, a student organization focused on South Asian culture and community
- SAGA
- Student Activities & Greek Affairs, the office overseeing clubs and Greek life.
- San Fran
- San Francisco Hall, a residential building often housing upperclassmen and learning communities.
- Sargent
- Sargent Hall, a residence hall on the north end of campus known for its dining hall.
- Sargent
- The dining hall located within Sargent Hall on North Campus.
- SGA
- Student Government Association, the primary student governing body on campus.
- SGLC
- Student Government of Loyola Chicago, the primary representative body for students.
- Simpson
- Simpson Dining Hall, a dining facility located on the south end of campus.
- SNAP
- Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol, a free campus escort service provided for student safety after dark.
- Sola
- A specific restaurant located on the second floor of Lakeside Dining Hall that accepts meal swipes for burrito bowls and nachos.
- STUCO
- Student Collaborative, often referring to the Student Theatre Coalition.
- SUB
- Student Union Board, the primary organization responsible for planning campus-wide social events.
- Supe Store
- The University Supply Store, where students buy textbooks, gear, and school supplies.
- SWAM
- Student Wellness Advocacy Movement, a health-focused student organization at the University of Alabama.
T
- Tatler
- The student-run newspaper of Lakeside School, a central part of campus media and tradition.
- The 8-ride
- The campus safety shuttle service that provides late-night transportation within a specific radius.
- The Apartments
- Common shorthand for the Lakeside Residential Complex at the University of Florida, which features apartment-style living.
- The Arch
- The Weber Arch, the symbolic entrance to the university campus.
- The Boobs
- Two small, grassy hills in Young Commons where students often lounge.
- The Capstone
- A nickname for the University of Alabama, signifying its status as the 'top stone' or high point of the state's education system.
- The Ferg
- The food court and dining options located within the Student Center (formerly the Ferguson Center).
- The Flats
- University Hall, also known as The Flats at Loyola Station, located just off-campus.
- The Lakefill
- A man-made expansion of the campus into Lake Michigan, popular for studying and relaxing.
- The Pig
- A bronze pig statue at Lakeside School that serves as a popular meeting spot for students.
- The Quad
- The 22-acre central lawn of campus, used for studying, socializing, and tailgating.
- The Ref
- Short for the Refectory, the primary dining hall at Lakeside School in Seattle.
- The Refectory
- The formal name for the dining hall at Lakeside School, often where community meals are held.
- The Rocks
- The concrete and stone barriers along Lake Michigan where students gather to socialize.
- The Shuttle
- The inter-campus bus that runs frequently between the Lake Shore (LSC) and Water Tower (WTC) campuses.
- The Strip
- A popular area of restaurants and bars located just off-campus along University Avenue.
- Tolo
- The local term for a Sadie Hawkins dance where students traditionally reverse roles for invitations
- Top of the Lake
- The upstairs dining area at Elon University's Lakeside Dining Hall.
- Tut
- Tutwiler Hall, the university's primary traditional-style residence hall for first-year women.
U
- UAPD
- University of Alabama Police Department, the campus law enforcement agency.
W
- Wildcats
- The official mascot and nickname for Northwestern students and athletic teams.
- Winter Garden
- Winter Garden Cafe, a retail dining hub housing options like Freshii and Biscuitville.
- WTC
- Water Tower Campus, Loyola's downtown Chicago campus located near the Magnificent Mile.
Places and practicalities
Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.
- 8-Ride
- A late-night shuttle service for students at Loyola University Chicago's Lake Shore Campus.
- A-Level
- The lower level of the Wright Community Center (WCC) at Lakeside School, often used for lockers and student hangouts.
- AAC
- The Athletic Center, the primary facility for indoor sports and physical education
- Acorn Account
- The online portal used by new students to manage their application and enrollment checklists.
- ACT Card
- The official student ID used for building access, meal plans, and as a debit card for campus funds.
- Action Card
- The official student ID card used for building access, meal plans, and campus payments
- Bama Cash
- An optional, reloadable debit account on the ACT Card used for laundry and at various on- and off-campus vendors.
- Belk
- Refers to either Belk Library or Belk Pavilion; students must specify which to avoid confusion.
- Block Meals
- Dining credits that can be used at all-you-care-to-eat facilities or specific retail locations on campus.
- Bryce
- The Bryce Property, a historic area of campus formerly a hospital, now housing various university offices and new facilities.
- CA
- Community Assistant, the student staff member (similar to an RA) who lives in and manages residence hall floors.
- Campus Connector
- A fare-free shuttle service that transports students and faculty between various campus locations, including Lakeside.
- Coleman
- Coleman Coliseum, the multi-purpose arena used for basketball and gymnastics
- Crimson Ride
- The university's free campus bus system that connects residential areas like Lakeside to academic buildings.
- Cuneo
- Cuneo Hall, a primary academic building known for its sustainable design.
- CWID
- Campus Wide Identification number, a unique student ID number required for logging into university systems.
- Damen
- The Damen Student Center at Loyola University Chicago's Lake Shore Campus.
- Deering
- Deering Library, the historic, gothic-style library building adjacent to the Main Library.
- Denny
- Bryant-Denny Stadium, the iconic home of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.
- Dining Dollars
- A mandatory, non-reloadable fund charged to student accounts each semester for use at on-campus dining and vending.
- Gator 1 Card
- The official student ID card used for building access, meal plans, and campus-wide transactions.
- Gentile
- Gentile Arena, the home court for Rambler basketball and volleyball.
- Gorgas
- Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, the main research library located on the Quad.
- GSL
- Global Service Learning, a graduation requirement involving service projects and international travel
- Intercampus
- The shuttle bus service that connects the Evanston (Lakeside) and Chicago campuses.
- KOBC
- Koury Business Center, the primary academic building for business students.
- Late Start
- A scheduling convention where classes begin later than usual (often 9:40 AM) on specific designated days
- LSC
- Lake Shore Campus, the main residential campus located in the Rogers Park neighborhood.
- Main
- The University Library, often referred to as 'Main' to distinguish it from Deering Library.
- Moody
- The Moody Music Building, home to the music department and Million Dollar Band
- Moseley
- Moseley Student Center, the hub for student organizations and administrative offices.
- Mundelein
- Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, a historic skyscraper building.
- myBama
- The central online portal where students access grades, registration, and financial accounts.
- Norris
- Norris University Center, the central hub for student activities and services.
- Phoenix Card
- The student ID card at Elon University, essential for dining at Lakeside.
- Pigott
- The Pigott Memorial Building, which houses the campus library and various classrooms
- Rambler Bucks
- General-purpose campus currency used for laundry, printing, and at various on-campus vendors.
- Reitz
- The J. Wayne Reitz Union, the student union building and hub for campus activities and organizations.
- RTS
- Regional Transit System, the city bus service that students can ride for free with their student ID.
- SafeRide
- A university-provided late-night shuttle service for students to travel safely around campus and Evanston.
- SkyAlert
- The emergency notification system used to broadcast urgent news via phone and email.
- SNAP
- Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol, a safe-ride service providing point-to-point transportation after dark
- St. Nick's
- St. Nicholas Hall at Lakeside School, which houses various classrooms and offices.
- STU
- The Student Center, the central hub for student life, food, and administrative services
- Tech
- The Technological Institute, a massive building housing the McCormick School of Engineering and science departments.
- The Bull
- Bullard Hall at Lakeside School, part of the academic campus.
- The Ferg
- The Student Center (formerly the Ferguson Student Center), the hub for student life, the Supe Store, and mail services.
- The Hub
- A central campus building housing various student services, a food court, and study spaces.
- The IC
- The Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons, the main library and study space overlooking the lake.
- The Moore
- Moore Hall at Lakeside School, a key academic building.
- The Rec
- The Student Recreation Center, the primary fitness and intramural sports facility.
- The Rock
- A large quartzite boulder on campus that students paint to advertise events or messages.
- The Swamp
- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the university's football stadium and a central landmark of campus culture.
- Turlington
- Turlington Hall, a major academic building known for its central location and the 'Turlington Plaza' gathering spot.
- U-Pass
- The CTA transit pass provided to full-time students for unlimited bus and 'L' train rides during the semester.
- WCC
- Wright Community Center, the main social and dining hub for the student body
- Wildcard
- The official university identification card used for building access, meal plans, and library services.
- Wildcat Connection
- The online portal used by students to join clubs, find events, and manage student organizations.
- wright_community_center_wcc_dining_hall
- Wright Community Center (WCC) Dining Hall
Quick answers
Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.
- What academic term is relevant now?
- Fall Semester 2026 runs Sep 2, 2026 – Jan 22, 2027.
- How much campus context is included?
- 98 approved campus terms and 59 local details are included in full.
- Are all approved campus terms included?
- Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
- Where does this guide come from?
- Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.