Important information for AU students about holiday closures and deadlines
As we approach the end of the year, please note the following key dates and information regarding Athabasca University’s available services during this festive season.
Important dates
- Dec. 24, 2025: The last day AU is open before the break. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain).
- Dec. 25, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026: AU is closed.
- Friday, Jan. 2, 2026: AU reopens. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain).
- Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026: Full phone service resumes.
Ask AU
If you have a question about AU while we’re closed, try our automated system Ask AU. Ask AU is also a great place to start even when we’re open!
Contact us
All other contact information for university student services, departments, and more can be found at AU: Contact Us. We will respond to all inquiries in the order they were received when regular business operations resume.
Exam requests
The Examination Services unit will be closed and will not be processing exam requests during the closure.
All students with a contract end of Dec. 31, 2025, are strongly encouraged to submit exam requests no later than Dec. 14, 2025, to ensure they are processed before the university closure.
Students who plan to write exams Jan. 1-6, 2026, are strongly encouraged to submit exam requests no later Dec. 14, 2025, to ensure that they are processed before the university closure.
Exam invigilation
AU encourages learners to use ProctorU for exam invigilation whenever possible but undergraduate learners also have the option to have their online exams invigilated in person by any third-party invigilators approved as part of AU’s Exam Invigilation Network.
If you are having your online exam invigilated in person, it is your responsibility to confirm your invigilator’s availability.
Read more about using third-party in-person invigilation for your online exams.
Booking your exam
Regardless of your choice of invigilator, booking an exam is still a two-step process:
- Book your exam invigilation appointment with your invigilator. Please note you must provide at least 10 days' notice when submitting your exam request.
- Book your exam with AU through MyAU. Ensure you select the write date to match the date you have scheduled with the invigilator
The exam must be written within the course contract timeline and the request must be made 10 days before your requested write date. If you do not submit a request 10 days before the course end date, you will need to purchase an extension.
Read more about exam policies and deadlines.
Student supports
Tutors, academic experts, and student support staff will not be available during the holiday closure. While AU offices are closed, you can explore AU’s online resources.