What is a catalog year?

A catalog year refers to the specific academic year in which a student is officially enrolled in a university or college. It often determines the set of academic requirements, policies, and course offerings that a student must follow in order to earn a degree.

The catalog year typically includes information such as degree requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and important dates and deadlines. Students are usually expected to fulfill the requirements outlined in the catalog year in which they first entered their program of study, although they may have the option to switch to a more recent catalog year if it is in their best interest.

It is important for students to be aware of their catalog year and understand its implications for their academic progress and graduation timeline. Changes made to degree requirements or academic policies after a student's catalog year may not apply to them, so it is essential for students to regularly meet with their academic advisors to ensure they are on track to meet their degree requirements based on their catalog year.