Here is a description of what the different parts of term stand for:
The full term is just that – it spans the entire semester.
The first half term is the first 8 weeks of classes during the semester (starting at the beginning of the semester and lasting approximately 7-8 weeks).
The second half term is the second 8 weeks of classes during the semester (starting at the beginning of the 9th week of semester and lasting approximately 7-8 weeks).
The first third term is the first 5 weeks of classes during the semester (starting at the beginning of the semester and lasting approximately 5 weeks).
The second third term is the second 5 weeks of classes during the semester (starting at the beginning of the 6th week of semester and lasting approximately 5 weeks).
The third third term is the third 5 weeks of classes during the semester (starting at the beginning of the 11th week of semester and lasting approximately 5 weeks).
Week 2 start - classes that start the 2nd week of the semester or late starting classes – they can run various lengths.
Week 3 start - classes that start the 3rd week of the semester or late late starting classes – they can run various lengths.
Week 4 start - classes that start the 4th week of the semester or late late late starting classes – they can run various lengths.
See below for Fall and Spring parts of term:
Fall 2012 (201320) Parts of Term
Part of Term Dates for Fall 2012
Full Term Sept. 5, 2012-Dec. 22, 2012
First Half of Term Sept. 5, 2012-Oct. 24, 2012
Second Half of Term Oct. 29, 2012 - Dec. 22, 2012
First Third of Term Sept. 5, 2012-Oct. 7, 2012
Second Third of Term Oct. 8, 2012 - Nov. 11, 2012
Third Third of Term Nov. 12, 2012 - Dec. 22, 2012
Week 2 Starts Sept. 12, 2012 - Dec. 22, 2012
Week 3 Starts Sept. 17, 2012 - Dec. 22, 2012
Week 4 Starts Sept. 24, 2012 - Dec. 22, 2012
Part of Term Dates for Spring 2013
Full Term
[15 wks (14+finals)] Jan. 28, 2013 - May 19, 2013
First Half of Term
(7 wks) Jan. 28, 2013 - March 17, 2013
Second Half of Term
(7 wks) March 25, 2013 - May 12, 2013
First Third of Term
(5 wks) Jan. 28, 2013-Mar. 3, 2013
Second Third of Term
(5 wks) Mar. 4, 2013 - Apr. 14, 2013
Third Third of Term
(5 wks) Apr. 15, 2013-May 19, 2013
Week 2 Starts
(Late Start) Feb. 4, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Week 3 Starts
(Late Late Start) Feb. 11, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Week 4 Starts
(Late Late Late Start) Feb. 18, 2013 - May 19, 2013
I hope this makes it more clear. Please let me know if you need any further clarification.
Thanks,
Christy Church