When introduction of the 4 - 1 - 4 calendar was made in the fall of 1967, the Fall and Spring Terms consisted of 14-week sessions during which time semester credits may be earned. From 1967 through 1987, the January Term consisted of 18 class days and semester credit was not awarded for most January Term courses. Beginning in 1988, the January Term was shortened to 15 class days and most courses were awarded semester credit.

The January Term was removed from the academic year after the 2000 session. In the 2013-2014 academic year, a transition was made to a 15-week semester, which was used only for one year. Since the Fall of 2014, a 14.5-week semester has been in use.