Veterans Day 2025: Complete College Guide to Date & Schedule

Veterans Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This federal holiday honors all American military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, both living and deceased.

Veterans Day always occurs on November 11th, regardless of the day of the week, maintaining its historical significance tied to the end of World War I.

For college students, this mid-week timing in 2025 means planning is essential for travel arrangements, academic deadlines, and campus activities.

Veterans Day Dates Through 2030

Understanding Veterans Day: Federal Holiday Status and Campus Implications

Veterans Day is an official federal holiday, meaning federal government offices close nationwide.

This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918.

What Federal Holiday Status Means for Students:

Government Services Affected:

• Federal financial aid offices
• Post offices (no regular mail delivery)
• Social Security offices
• Passport and federal ID services
• Federal court systems

Banking and Financial Services:

• Many banks follow federal holiday schedules
• ATM services typically remain available
• Stock markets may have modified hours or closures
• Credit union schedules may vary

Campus Administrative Offices:

• University administration often aligns with federal schedules
• Financial aid offices may close or operate reduced hours
• Student services availability varies by institution

Colleges & Universities Observing Veterans Day 2025

This table includes universities and colleges that observe Veterans Day 2025 with no classes scheduled on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

The California State University (CSU) system and the University of California (UC) system are required by California law (Assembly Bill 720) to observe Veterans Day as a holiday.

Community colleges and additional campuses within these systems also observe this holiday, but are represented here by their main campuses.

College and university policies for Veterans Day vary significantly across institutions.

Universities That Close Completely on Veterans Day 2025

Several major institutions close all operations on Veterans Day:

Ohio University: University offices officially closed; classes not in session while residence halls remain open with modified dining services.

Public Universities in Veteran-Friendly States:

• Many state universities in Texas, California, and Virginia close entirely
• Community college systems often follow state government schedules
• Military-affiliated institutions typically observe full closures

Universities That Hold Classes with Staff Observances

Harvard University: Veterans’ Day (observed for staff). Classes are held. This approach allows academic continuity while honoring staff veterans.

Common Hybrid Approaches:

• Classes continue as scheduled
• Administrative offices close or operate reduced hours
• Special ceremonies and events are held during lunch or evening hours
• Campus veteran centers remain open with extended programming

Universities with Minimal Observance

Some institutions provide minimal recognition, focusing instead on academic calendar continuity. Despite being a Federal holiday, Veterans’ Day is not honored at USD.

Students and Administrators discuss the implications of this, and similar debates occur at other private institutions, prioritizing uninterrupted academic schedules.

K–12 U.S. School Districts that Observe Veterans Day 2025

Here are K–12 school districts that list Veterans Day (Tuesday, November 11, 2025) as a day when schools are closed.

Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day: Key Differences Students Should Know

Below is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Campus Events, Ceremonies, and Student Participation Opportunities

Traditional Campus Veterans Day Activities

Academic and Educational Programs:

• Guest speaker series featuring veteran alumni
• Panel discussions on military service and civilian transition
• Historical exhibits in campus libraries and museums
• Military history course special sessions

Service and Volunteer Opportunities:

• Care package assembly for deployed service members
• Veterans hospital visits and volunteer programs
• Campus cleanup projects honoring veteran maintenance staff
• Fundraising drives for veteran support organizations

Social and Recognition Events:

• Wreath-laying ceremonies at campus memorials
• Flag-raising and honor guard presentations
• Veteran recognition receptions
• Student veteran organization meetings and social events

Partnering Organizations for Student Involvement

Campus-Based Groups:

• Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapters
• ROTC programs across all military branches
• Military history clubs and societies
• Service learning centers with veteran programs

Community Partnerships:

• Local Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals
• American Legion and VFW posts
• Military family support organizations
• Regional veteran service nonprofits

Academic Planning and Travel Considerations for Students

Pre-Holiday Academic Planning

Assignment and Deadline Management:

• Review syllabi for assignments due November 12-13
• Communicate with professors about potential schedule conflicts
• Complete group project coordination before the holiday
• Submit any work due the day after Veterans Day

Library and Study Space Availability:

• Campus libraries may operate on holiday schedules
• Study rooms and computer labs may have limited access
• Plan alternative study locations for extended weekends
• Download or print the necessary research materials in advance

Travel Planning Strategies

Transportation Considerations:

• Book flights and trains early for November travel
• Allow extra time for potential weather delays
• Check campus parking restrictions during ceremonies
• Coordinate with roommates for shared transportation

Accommodation Planning:

• Confirm residence hall policies during federal holidays
• Plan for potentially modified dining services
• Arrange off-campus housing if traveling home
• Consider extended stays for long weekend opportunities

Student Resources and Support Services

Campus Veteran Centers and Support

Most universities maintain dedicated veteran and military-affiliated student support services:

Academic Support Services:

• Tutoring programs specifically for student veterans
• Priority registration for qualifying military students
• Academic counseling for service-related challenges
• Career transition workshops and job placement assistance

Financial Resources:

• GI Bill benefit processing and support
• Emergency financial assistance programs
• Scholarship opportunities for military families
• Work-study programs with veteran-friendly employers

Mental Health and Wellness Resources

Counseling Services:

• Specialized counselors trained in military culture
• Support groups for student veterans and military families
• Crisis intervention services are available during holidays
• Peer support networks through veteran organizations

Frequently Asked Questions for Students

November 2025 Calendar Context and Related Observances

Other Notable November Observances

Military Family Month (Entire November):

• An extended focus on military families and their sacrifices
• Campus programming throughout the month
• Scholarship application deadlines for military families

Native American Heritage Month (Entire November):

• Overlapping cultural programming with Veterans Day themes
• Recognition of Native American military service contributions
• Educational opportunities about indigenous veterans

Thanksgiving Week Considerations:

• Veterans Day to Thanksgiving academic planning
• Extended travel periods require early preparation
• Campus facility schedules affected by multiple holidays

Academic Calendar Integration

Mid-Semester Positioning:

• Veterans Day occurs during the peak academic semester
• Midterm exams are typically completed by November
• Final project assignment periods begin
• Graduate school application deadlines are approaching

Winter Break Planning:

• Veterans Day as a preview for December holiday schedules
• Spring semester registration periods often coincide
• Financial aid renewal deadlines in the November-December timeframe

Making the Most of Veterans Day as a College Student

Veterans Day 2025 presents unique opportunities for college students to engage with American military history, support veteran communities, and develop civic responsibility.

Whether your campus closes completely or maintains regular operations, the mid-week timing requires thoughtful planning for academic success and meaningful participation.

Use this guide to coordinate travel plans, academic deadlines, and service opportunities well in advance. Connect with campus veteran centers and student organizations to maximize your engagement with this important national observance.

Remember that Veterans Day extends beyond a single date—it represents an ongoing commitment to understanding and supporting those who have served in our military.

As college students, you have exceptional opportunities to build bridges between civilian and military communities while advancing your own educational and personal growth goals.