> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.linuxfoundation.org/lfx/mentorship/administrators/open-close-mentorship-applications.md).

# Open & Close Mentorship Applications

Mentorship applications are now controlled automatically by the term's **Application Start Date** and **Application End Date**. When today's date falls within that window, the **Apply** CTA on the program card is active. Outside of it, applications are closed.

There is no longer a manual **Open Applications** / **Close Applications** button on the program card — the schedule you set on each term is the single source of truth.

## Set application dates when creating a new term

1. [Sign in](/lfx/sso/sign-in.md) to the [Mentorship](https://mentorship.lfx.linuxfoundation.org) portal
2. Select the **My Mentorships** tab
3. In the section **Programs for which I am an Administrator**, open the program card and go to the **Terms** tab
4. Click **Add Term**
5. Fill in **Name**, **Start Month/Year**, and **End Month/Year**
6. Pick an **Application Start Date** and **Application End Date** using the calendar pickers (format `YYYY-MM-DD`)
7. Click **Add Term** to save

## Update application dates on an existing term

1. [Sign in](/lfx/sso/sign-in.md) to the [Mentorship](https://mentorship.lfx.linuxfoundation.org) portal
2. Select the **My Mentorships** tab
3. In the section **Programs for which I am an Administrator**, open the program card and go to the **Terms** tab
4. Click the edit icon on the term you want to update
5. Adjust the **Application Start Date** and/or **Application End Date**
6. Click **Save Changes**

To **open applications early**, move the **Application Start Date** to today. To **close applications as soon as possible**, move the **Application End Date** to today — the Apply CTA will remain active through the end of today and then disable.

## Validation rules the form enforces

The **Add / Edit Term** dialog will block save until every rule below is met:

* Both dates are required and must be valid `YYYY-MM-DD` values
* **Application Start Date** cannot be before today
* **Application End Date** cannot be before today
* **Application End Date** must be on or after **Application Start Date**
* **Application Start Date** must be before the term's **Start Month**
* **Application End Date** must be on or before the last day of the term's **End Month**

**NOTE:** When editing an existing term whose application window has already opened in the past, the pre-existing past date is preserved as valid so you can update other fields without being forced to change the schedule. Any *new* date you type in must still satisfy the rules above.

## What mentees see on the program card

The card label and **Apply** CTA update automatically based on the current date:

| Current date vs. window                         | Card label                        | Apply CTA |
| ----------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | --------- |
| Before **Application Start Date**               | `Applications open MMM D, YYYY`   | Disabled  |
| Between **Application Start** and **End Dates** | `Applications close MMM D, YYYY`  | Active    |
| After **Application End Date**                  | `Applications closed MMM D, YYYY` | Disabled  |

Once the window closes, existing applications keep their current status (`Pending`, `Accepted`, `Declined`, `Withdrawn`, `Graduated`) and continue to appear in the applicant's dashboard. Only *new* applications are blocked.

**NOTE:** Closing the applications doesn't prevent mentees who started the application process from completing their prerequisite tasks.


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