The academic calendar of Hartnell College is based on two semesters and a summer session. Fall Semester begins in mid-August and ends in December. Spring Semester begins in mid-January and ends in late May or early June. Summer Session is six weeks beginning in mid-June and ending in July. .
| Year 2011-2012 |
| FALL 2011 August 15 - December 16, 2011 |
| SPRING 2011 |
| Summer 2011 |
Students applying from outside the United States are advised to submit their application documents before the following deadline dates:
Fall Semester: June 15
Spring Semester: November 15
Summer Session: April 15
Students applying within the United States should submit their application documents at least four weeks before the beginning of the semester.

