diff --git a/common/djangoapps/util/date_utils.py b/common/djangoapps/util/date_utils.py
index 0156c1a2b7..5772238289 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/util/date_utils.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/util/date_utils.py
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@ Convenience methods for working with datetime objects
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 import re
 
-from django.utils.timezone import now
 from django.utils.translation import pgettext, ugettext
 from pytz import timezone, utc, UnknownTimeZoneError
 
@@ -63,15 +62,6 @@ def get_time_display(dtime, format_string=None, coerce_tz=None):
         return get_default_time_display(dtime)
 
 
-def get_formatted_time_zone(time_zone):
-    """
-    Returns a formatted time zone (e.g. 'Asia/Tokyo (JST +0900)') for user account settings time zone drop down
-    """
-    abbr = get_time_display(now(), '%Z', time_zone)
-    offset = get_time_display(now(), '%z', time_zone)
-    return "{name} ({abbr}, UTC{offset})".format(name=time_zone, abbr=abbr, offset=offset).replace("_", " ")
-
-
 def almost_same_datetime(dt1, dt2, allowed_delta=timedelta(minutes=1)):
     """
     Returns true if these are w/in a minute of each other. (in case secs saved to db
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_date_utils.py b/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_date_utils.py
index 05b2e56e4f..a2222813cb 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_date_utils.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_date_utils.py
@@ -9,8 +9,7 @@ import unittest
 import ddt
 from mock import patch
 from nose.tools import assert_equals, assert_false  # pylint: disable=no-name-in-module
-from pytz import UTC
-
+from pytz import utc
 from util.date_utils import (
     get_default_time_display, get_time_display, almost_same_datetime,
     strftime_localized,
@@ -19,7 +18,7 @@ from util.date_utils import (
 
 def test_get_default_time_display():
     assert_equals("", get_default_time_display(None))
-    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
     assert_equals(
         "Mar 12, 1992 at 15:03 UTC",
         get_default_time_display(test_time))
@@ -34,12 +33,12 @@ def test_get_dflt_time_disp_notz():
 
 def test_get_time_disp_ret_empty():
     assert_equals("", get_time_display(None))
-    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
     assert_equals("", get_time_display(test_time, ""))
 
 
 def test_get_time_display():
-    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
     assert_equals("dummy text", get_time_display(test_time, 'dummy text'))
     assert_equals("Mar 12 1992", get_time_display(test_time, '%b %d %Y'))
     assert_equals("Mar 12 1992 UTC", get_time_display(test_time, '%b %d %Y %Z'))
@@ -47,15 +46,15 @@ def test_get_time_display():
 
 
 def test_get_time_pass_through():
-    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
     assert_equals("Mar 12, 1992 at 15:03 UTC", get_time_display(test_time))
     assert_equals("Mar 12, 1992 at 15:03 UTC", get_time_display(test_time, None))
     assert_equals("Mar 12, 1992 at 15:03 UTC", get_time_display(test_time, "%"))
 
 
 def test_get_time_display_coerce():
-    test_time_standard = datetime(1992, 1, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
-    test_time_daylight = datetime(1992, 7, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+    test_time_standard = datetime(1992, 1, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
+    test_time_daylight = datetime(1992, 7, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
     assert_equals("Jan 12, 1992 at 07:03 PST",
                   get_time_display(test_time_standard, None, coerce_tz="US/Pacific"))
     assert_equals("Jan 12, 1992 at 15:03 UTC",
diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_metadata_utils.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_metadata_utils.py
index 0586d10274..726104ff54 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_metadata_utils.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_metadata_utils.py
@@ -10,11 +10,12 @@ from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 import dateutil.parser
 from math import exp
 
-from django.utils.timezone import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_time_zone_abbr
+from pytz import utc
 
 from .fields import Date
 
-DEFAULT_START_DATE = datetime(2030, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC())
+DEFAULT_START_DATE = datetime(2030, 1, 1, tzinfo=utc)
 
 
 def clean_course_key(course_key, padding_char):
@@ -56,7 +57,7 @@ def has_course_started(start_date):
         start_date (datetime): The start datetime of the course in question.
     """
     # TODO: This will throw if start_date is None... consider changing this behavior?
-    return datetime.now(UTC()) > start_date
+    return datetime.now(utc) > start_date
 
 
 def has_course_ended(end_date):
@@ -68,7 +69,7 @@ def has_course_ended(end_date):
     Arguments:
         end_date (datetime): The end datetime of the course in question.
     """
-    return datetime.now(UTC()) > end_date if end_date is not None else False
+    return datetime.now(utc) > end_date if end_date is not None else False
 
 
 def course_starts_within(start_date, look_ahead_days):
@@ -80,7 +81,7 @@ def course_starts_within(start_date, look_ahead_days):
         start_date (datetime): The start datetime of the course in question.
         look_ahead_days (int): number of days to see in future for course start date.
     """
-    return datetime.now(UTC()) + timedelta(days=look_ahead_days) > start_date
+    return datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=look_ahead_days) > start_date
 
 
 def course_start_date_is_default(start, advertised_start):
@@ -95,30 +96,31 @@ def course_start_date_is_default(start, advertised_start):
     return advertised_start is None and start == DEFAULT_START_DATE
 
 
-def _datetime_to_string(date_time, format_string, strftime_localized):
+def _datetime_to_string(date_time, format_string, time_zone, strftime_localized):
     """
     Formats the given datetime with the given function and format string.
 
-    Adds UTC to the resulting string if the format is DATE_TIME or TIME.
+    Adds time zone abbreviation to the resulting string if the format is DATE_TIME or TIME.
 
     Arguments:
         date_time (datetime): the datetime to be formatted
         format_string (str): the date format type, as passed to strftime
+        time_zone (pytz time zone): the time zone to convert to
         strftime_localized ((datetime, str) -> str): a nm localized string
             formatting function
     """
-    # TODO: Is manually appending UTC really the right thing to do here? What if date_time isn't UTC?
-    result = strftime_localized(date_time, format_string)
+    result = strftime_localized(date_time.astimezone(time_zone), format_string)
+    abbr = get_time_zone_abbr(time_zone, date_time)
     return (
-        result + u" UTC" if format_string in ['DATE_TIME', 'TIME', 'DAY_AND_TIME']
+        result + ' ' + abbr if format_string in ['DATE_TIME', 'TIME', 'DAY_AND_TIME']
         else result
     )
 
 
-def course_start_datetime_text(start_date, advertised_start, format_string, ugettext, strftime_localized):
+def course_start_datetime_text(start_date, advertised_start, format_string, time_zone, ugettext, strftime_localized):
     """
     Calculates text to be shown to user regarding a course's start
-    datetime in UTC.
+    datetime in specified time zone.
 
     Prefers .advertised_start, then falls back to .start.
 
@@ -126,6 +128,7 @@ def course_start_datetime_text(start_date, advertised_start, format_string, uget
         start_date (datetime): the course's start datetime
         advertised_start (str): the course's advertised start date
         format_string (str): the date format type, as passed to strftime
+        time_zone (pytz time zone): the time zone to convert to
         ugettext ((str) -> str): a text localization function
         strftime_localized ((datetime, str) -> str): a localized string
             formatting function
@@ -138,12 +141,12 @@ def course_start_datetime_text(start_date, advertised_start, format_string, uget
             if parsed_advertised_start is not None:
                 # In the Django implementation of strftime_localized, if
                 # the year is <1900, _datetime_to_string will raise a ValueError.
-                return _datetime_to_string(parsed_advertised_start, format_string, strftime_localized)
+                return _datetime_to_string(parsed_advertised_start, format_string, time_zone, strftime_localized)
         except ValueError:
             pass
         return advertised_start.title()
     elif start_date != DEFAULT_START_DATE:
-        return _datetime_to_string(start_date, format_string, strftime_localized)
+        return _datetime_to_string(start_date, format_string, time_zone, strftime_localized)
     else:
         _ = ugettext
         # Translators: TBD stands for 'To Be Determined' and is used when a course
@@ -151,7 +154,7 @@ def course_start_datetime_text(start_date, advertised_start, format_string, uget
         return _('TBD')
 
 
-def course_end_datetime_text(end_date, format_string, strftime_localized):
+def course_end_datetime_text(end_date, format_string, time_zone, strftime_localized):
     """
     Returns a formatted string for a course's end date or datetime.
 
@@ -160,11 +163,12 @@ def course_end_datetime_text(end_date, format_string, strftime_localized):
     Arguments:
         end_date (datetime): the end datetime of a course
         format_string (str): the date format type, as passed to strftime
+        time_zone (pytz time zone): the time zone to convert to
         strftime_localized ((datetime, str) -> str): a localized string
             formatting function
     """
     return (
-        _datetime_to_string(end_date, format_string, strftime_localized) if end_date is not None
+        _datetime_to_string(end_date, format_string, time_zone, strftime_localized) if end_date is not None
         else ''
     )
 
@@ -220,10 +224,10 @@ def sorting_dates(start, advertised_start, announcement):
     try:
         start = dateutil.parser.parse(advertised_start)
         if start.tzinfo is None:
-            start = start.replace(tzinfo=UTC())
+            start = start.replace(tzinfo=utc)
     except (ValueError, AttributeError):
         start = start
 
-    now = datetime.now(UTC())
+    now = datetime.now(utc)
 
     return announcement, start, now
diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py
index bd9ff594ab..f452d65cbf 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py
@@ -7,10 +7,10 @@ from cStringIO import StringIO
 from datetime import datetime
 
 import requests
-from django.utils.timezone import UTC
 from lazy import lazy
 from lxml import etree
 from path import Path as path
+from pytz import utc
 from xblock.fields import Scope, List, String, Dict, Boolean, Integer, Float
 
 from xmodule import course_metadata_utils
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ class Textbook(object):
             # see if we already fetched this
             if toc_url in _cached_toc:
                 (table_of_contents, timestamp) = _cached_toc[toc_url]
-                age = datetime.now(UTC) - timestamp
+                age = datetime.now(utc) - timestamp
                 # expire every 10 minutes
                 if age.seconds < 600:
                     return table_of_contents
@@ -1190,16 +1190,17 @@ class CourseDescriptor(CourseFields, SequenceDescriptor, LicenseMixin):
         """Return the course_id for this course"""
         return self.location.course_key
 
-    def start_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE"):
+    def start_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE", time_zone=utc):
         """
-        Returns the desired text corresponding the course's start date and time in UTC.  Prefers .advertised_start,
-        then falls back to .start
+        Returns the desired text corresponding the course's start date and time in specified time zone, defaulted
+        to UTC. Prefers .advertised_start, then falls back to .start
         """
         i18n = self.runtime.service(self, "i18n")
         return course_metadata_utils.course_start_datetime_text(
             self.start,
             self.advertised_start,
             format_string,
+            time_zone,
             i18n.ugettext,
             i18n.strftime
         )
@@ -1215,13 +1216,14 @@ class CourseDescriptor(CourseFields, SequenceDescriptor, LicenseMixin):
             self.advertised_start
         )
 
-    def end_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE"):
+    def end_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE", time_zone=utc):
         """
         Returns the end date or date_time for the course formatted as a string.
         """
         return course_metadata_utils.course_end_datetime_text(
             self.end,
             format_string,
+            time_zone,
             self.runtime.service(self, "i18n").strftime
         )
 
@@ -1256,7 +1258,7 @@ class CourseDescriptor(CourseFields, SequenceDescriptor, LicenseMixin):
         setting
         """
         blackouts = self.get_discussion_blackout_datetimes()
-        now = datetime.now(UTC())
+        now = datetime.now(utc)
         for blackout in blackouts:
             if blackout["start"] <= now <= blackout["end"]:
                 return False
@@ -1384,7 +1386,7 @@ class CourseDescriptor(CourseFields, SequenceDescriptor, LicenseMixin):
         Returns:
           bool: False if the course has already started, True otherwise.
         """
-        return datetime.now(UTC()) <= self.start
+        return datetime.now(utc) <= self.start
 
 
 class CourseSummary(object):
diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_course_metadata_utils.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_course_metadata_utils.py
index f733bba3d6..05df588a7e 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_course_metadata_utils.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_course_metadata_utils.py
@@ -5,8 +5,7 @@ from collections import namedtuple
 from datetime import timedelta, datetime
 from unittest import TestCase
 
-from django.utils.timezone import UTC
-
+from pytz import timezone, utc
 from xmodule.block_metadata_utils import (
     url_name_for_block,
     display_name_with_default,
@@ -31,7 +30,7 @@ from xmodule.modulestore.tests.utils import (
 )
 
 
-_TODAY = datetime.now(UTC())
+_TODAY = datetime.now(utc)
 _LAST_MONTH = _TODAY - timedelta(days=30)
 _LAST_WEEK = _TODAY - timedelta(days=7)
 _NEXT_WEEK = _TODAY + timedelta(days=7)
@@ -107,14 +106,18 @@ class CourseMetadataUtilsTestCase(TestCase):
             else:
                 raise ValueError("Invalid format string :" + format_string)
 
-        def nop_gettext(text):
+        def noop_gettext(text):
             """Dummy implementation of gettext, so we don't need Django."""
             return text
 
-        test_datetime = datetime(1945, 02, 06, 04, 20, 00, tzinfo=UTC())
+        test_datetime = datetime(1945, 2, 6, 4, 20, 00, tzinfo=utc)
         advertised_start_parsable = "2038-01-19 03:14:07"
         advertised_start_bad_date = "215-01-01 10:10:10"
         advertised_start_unparsable = "This coming fall"
+        time_zone_normal_parsable = "2016-03-27 00:59:00"
+        time_zone_normal_datetime = datetime(2016, 3, 27, 00, 59, 00, tzinfo=utc)
+        time_zone_daylight_parsable = "2016-03-27 01:00:00"
+        time_zone_daylight_datetime = datetime(2016, 3, 27, 1, 00, 00, tzinfo=utc)
 
         FunctionTest = namedtuple('FunctionTest', 'function scenarios')  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
         TestScenario = namedtuple('TestScenario', 'arguments expected_return')  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
@@ -170,48 +173,73 @@ class CourseMetadataUtilsTestCase(TestCase):
                 # Test parsable advertised start date.
                 # Expect start datetime to be parsed and formatted back into a string.
                 TestScenario(
-                    (DEFAULT_START_DATE, advertised_start_parsable, 'DATE_TIME', nop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
+                    (DEFAULT_START_DATE, advertised_start_parsable, 'DATE_TIME',
+                     utc, noop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
                     mock_strftime_localized(Date().from_json(advertised_start_parsable), 'DATE_TIME') + " UTC"
                 ),
                 # Test un-parsable advertised start date.
                 # Expect date parsing to throw a ValueError, and the advertised
                 # start to be returned in Title Case.
                 TestScenario(
-                    (test_datetime, advertised_start_unparsable, 'DATE_TIME', nop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
+                    (test_datetime, advertised_start_unparsable, 'DATE_TIME',
+                     utc, noop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
                     advertised_start_unparsable.title()
                 ),
                 # Test parsable advertised start date from before January 1, 1900.
                 # Expect mock_strftime_localized to throw a ValueError, and the
                 # advertised start to be returned in Title Case.
                 TestScenario(
-                    (test_datetime, advertised_start_bad_date, 'DATE_TIME', nop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
+                    (test_datetime, advertised_start_bad_date, 'DATE_TIME',
+                     utc, noop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
                     advertised_start_bad_date.title()
                 ),
                 # Test without advertised start date, but with a set start datetime.
                 # Expect formatted datetime to be returned.
                 TestScenario(
-                    (test_datetime, None, 'SHORT_DATE', nop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
+                    (test_datetime, None, 'SHORT_DATE', utc, noop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
                     mock_strftime_localized(test_datetime, 'SHORT_DATE')
                 ),
                 # Test without advertised start date and with default start datetime.
                 # Expect TBD to be returned.
                 TestScenario(
-                    (DEFAULT_START_DATE, None, 'SHORT_DATE', nop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
+                    (DEFAULT_START_DATE, None, 'SHORT_DATE', utc, noop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
                     'TBD'
+                ),
+                # Test correctly formatted start datetime is returned during normal daylight hours
+                TestScenario(
+                    (DEFAULT_START_DATE, time_zone_normal_parsable, 'DATE_TIME',
+                     timezone('Europe/Paris'), noop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
+                    "DATE_TIME " + "2016-03-27 01:59:00 CET"
+                ),
+                # Test correctly formatted start datetime is returned during daylight savings hours
+                TestScenario(
+                    (DEFAULT_START_DATE, time_zone_daylight_parsable, 'DATE_TIME',
+                     timezone('Europe/Paris'), noop_gettext, mock_strftime_localized),
+                    "DATE_TIME " + "2016-03-27 03:00:00 CEST"
                 )
             ]),
             FunctionTest(course_end_datetime_text, [
                 # Test with a set end datetime.
                 # Expect formatted datetime to be returned.
                 TestScenario(
-                    (test_datetime, 'TIME', mock_strftime_localized),
+                    (test_datetime, 'TIME', utc, mock_strftime_localized),
                     mock_strftime_localized(test_datetime, 'TIME') + " UTC"
                 ),
                 # Test with default end datetime.
                 # Expect empty string to be returned.
                 TestScenario(
-                    (None, 'TIME', mock_strftime_localized),
+                    (None, 'TIME', utc, mock_strftime_localized),
                     ""
+                ),
+                # Test correctly formatted end datetime is returned during normal daylight hours
+                TestScenario(
+                    (time_zone_normal_datetime, 'TIME', timezone('Europe/Paris'), mock_strftime_localized),
+                    "TIME " + "2016-03-27 01:59:00 CET"
+                ),
+                # Test correctly formatted end datetime is returned during daylight savings hours
+                TestScenario(
+                    (time_zone_daylight_datetime, 'TIME', timezone('Europe/Paris'), mock_strftime_localized),
+                    "TIME " + "2016-03-27 03:00:00 CEST"
                 )
             ]),
             FunctionTest(may_certify_for_course, [
diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_course_module.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_course_module.py
index 1ccb50c0fa..72a4d8d176 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_course_module.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_course_module.py
@@ -1,25 +1,25 @@
+"""Tests the course modules and their functions"""
+import ddt
 import unittest
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
-from fs.memoryfs import MemoryFS
-
-from mock import Mock, patch
 import itertools
-
+from fs.memoryfs import MemoryFS
+from mock import Mock, patch
+from pytz import timezone, utc
 from xblock.runtime import KvsFieldData, DictKeyValueStore
 
 import xmodule.course_module
 from xmodule.modulestore.xml import ImportSystem, XMLModuleStore
 from opaque_keys.edx.locations import SlashSeparatedCourseKey
-from django.utils.timezone import UTC
 
 
 ORG = 'test_org'
 COURSE = 'test_course'
 
-NOW = datetime.strptime('2013-01-01T01:00:00', '%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:00').replace(tzinfo=UTC())
+NOW = datetime.strptime('2013-01-01T01:00:00', '%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:00').replace(tzinfo=utc)
 
-_TODAY = datetime.now(UTC())
+_TODAY = datetime.now(utc)
 _LAST_WEEK = _TODAY - timedelta(days=7)
 _NEXT_WEEK = _TODAY + timedelta(days=7)
 
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ class CourseFieldsTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_default_start_date(self):
         self.assertEqual(
             xmodule.course_module.CourseFields.start.default,
-            datetime(2030, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC())
+            datetime(2030, 1, 1, tzinfo=utc)
         )
 
 
@@ -142,6 +142,7 @@ class HasEndedMayCertifyTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertFalse(self.future_noshow_certs.may_certify())
 
 
+@ddt.ddt
 class IsNewCourseTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
     """Make sure the property is_new works on courses"""
 
@@ -224,6 +225,20 @@ class IsNewCourseTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
             print "Checking start=%s advertised=%s" % (setting[0], setting[1])
             self.assertEqual(course.start_datetime_text("DATE_TIME"), setting[4])
 
+    @ddt.data(("2015-11-01T08:59", 'Nov 01, 2015', u'Nov 01, 2015 at 01:59 PDT'),
+              ("2015-11-01T09:00", 'Nov 01, 2015', u'Nov 01, 2015 at 01:00 PST'))
+    @ddt.unpack
+    def test_start_date_time_zone(self, course_date, expected_short_date, expected_date_time):
+        """
+        Test that start datetime text correctly formats datetimes
+        for normal daylight hours and daylight savings hours
+        """
+        time_zone = timezone('America/Los_Angeles')
+
+        course = get_dummy_course(start=course_date, advertised_start=course_date)
+        self.assertEqual(course.start_datetime_text(time_zone=time_zone), expected_short_date)
+        self.assertEqual(course.start_datetime_text("DATE_TIME", time_zone), expected_date_time)
+
     def test_start_date_is_default(self):
         for s in self.start_advertised_settings:
             d = get_dummy_course(start=s[0], advertised_start=s[1])
@@ -277,6 +292,20 @@ class IsNewCourseTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
         course = get_dummy_course('2012-12-02T12:00', end='2014-9-04T12:00')
         self.assertEqual('Sep 04, 2014 at 12:00 UTC', course.end_datetime_text("DATE_TIME"))
 
+    @ddt.data(("2015-11-01T08:59", 'Nov 01, 2015', u'Nov 01, 2015 at 01:59 PDT'),
+              ("2015-11-01T09:00", 'Nov 01, 2015', u'Nov 01, 2015 at 01:00 PST'))
+    @ddt.unpack
+    def test_end_date_time_zone(self, course_date, expected_short_date, expected_date_time):
+        """
+        Test that end datetime text correctly formats datetimes
+        for normal daylight hours and daylight savings hours
+        """
+        time_zone = timezone('America/Los_Angeles')
+        course = get_dummy_course(course_date, end=course_date)
+
+        self.assertEqual(course.end_datetime_text(time_zone=time_zone), expected_short_date)
+        self.assertEqual(course.end_datetime_text("DATE_TIME", time_zone), expected_date_time)
+
 
 class DiscussionTopicsTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_default_discussion_topics(self):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/models.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/models.py
index 1daec6e9dd..5c6e8dd103 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/models.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/models.py
@@ -7,9 +7,10 @@ from datetime import datetime
 
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User
 from django.db import models
-from django.utils.timezone import UTC
+from pytz import utc
 
 from lazy import lazy
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_time_zone_abbr
 from xmodule_django.models import CourseKeyField, LocationKeyField
 from xmodule.error_module import ErrorDescriptor
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
@@ -72,43 +73,43 @@ class CustomCourseForEdX(models.Model):
 
     def has_started(self):
         """Return True if the CCX start date is in the past"""
-        return datetime.now(UTC()) > self.start
+        return datetime.now(utc) > self.start
 
     def has_ended(self):
         """Return True if the CCX due date is set and is in the past"""
         if self.due is None:
             return False
 
-        return datetime.now(UTC()) > self.due
+        return datetime.now(utc) > self.due
 
-    def start_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE"):
+    def start_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE", time_zone=utc):
         """Returns the desired text representation of the CCX start datetime
 
-        The returned value is always expressed in UTC
+        The returned value is in specified time zone, defaulted to UTC.
         """
         i18n = self.course.runtime.service(self.course, "i18n")
         strftime = i18n.strftime
-        value = strftime(self.start, format_string)
+        value = strftime(self.start.astimezone(time_zone), format_string)
         if format_string == 'DATE_TIME':
-            value += u' UTC'
+            value += ' ' + get_time_zone_abbr(time_zone, self.start)
         return value
 
-    def end_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE"):
+    def end_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE", time_zone=utc):
         """Returns the desired text representation of the CCX due datetime
 
         If the due date for the CCX is not set, the value returned is the empty
         string.
 
-        The returned value is always expressed in UTC
+        The returned value is in specified time zone, defaulted to UTC.
         """
         if self.due is None:
             return ''
 
         i18n = self.course.runtime.service(self.course, "i18n")
         strftime = i18n.strftime
-        value = strftime(self.due, format_string)
+        value = strftime(self.due.astimezone(time_zone), format_string)
         if format_string == 'DATE_TIME':
-            value += u' UTC'
+            value += ' ' + get_time_zone_abbr(time_zone, self.due)
         return value
 
     @property
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_models.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_models.py
index ccc5ede839..e81681c43e 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_models.py
@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 """
 tests for the models
 """
+import ddt
 import json
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
-from django.utils.timezone import UTC
 from mock import patch
 from nose.plugins.attrib import attr
+from pytz import timezone, utc
 from student.roles import CourseCcxCoachRole
 from student.tests.factories import (
     AdminFactory,
@@ -23,6 +24,7 @@ from .factories import (
 from ..overrides import override_field_for_ccx
 
 
+@ddt.ddt
 @attr('shard_1')
 class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     """Unit tests for the CustomCourseForEdX model
@@ -65,7 +67,7 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         For this reason we test the difference between and make sure it is less
         than one second.
         """
-        expected = datetime.now(UTC())
+        expected = datetime.now(utc)
         self.set_ccx_override('start', expected)
         actual = self.ccx.start  # pylint: disable=no-member
         diff = expected - actual
@@ -73,7 +75,7 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     def test_ccx_start_caching(self):
         """verify that caching the start property works to limit queries"""
-        now = datetime.now(UTC())
+        now = datetime.now(utc)
         self.set_ccx_override('start', now)
         with check_mongo_calls(1):
             # these statements are used entirely to demonstrate the
@@ -90,7 +92,7 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     def test_ccx_due_is_correct(self):
         """verify that the due datetime for a ccx is correctly retrieved"""
-        expected = datetime.now(UTC())
+        expected = datetime.now(utc)
         self.set_ccx_override('due', expected)
         actual = self.ccx.due  # pylint: disable=no-member
         diff = expected - actual
@@ -98,7 +100,7 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     def test_ccx_due_caching(self):
         """verify that caching the due property works to limit queries"""
-        expected = datetime.now(UTC())
+        expected = datetime.now(utc)
         self.set_ccx_override('due', expected)
         with check_mongo_calls(1):
             # these statements are used entirely to demonstrate the
@@ -110,7 +112,7 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     def test_ccx_has_started(self):
         """verify that a ccx marked as starting yesterday has started"""
-        now = datetime.now(UTC())
+        now = datetime.now(utc)
         delta = timedelta(1)
         then = now - delta
         self.set_ccx_override('start', then)
@@ -118,7 +120,7 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     def test_ccx_has_not_started(self):
         """verify that a ccx marked as starting tomorrow has not started"""
-        now = datetime.now(UTC())
+        now = datetime.now(utc)
         delta = timedelta(1)
         then = now + delta
         self.set_ccx_override('start', then)
@@ -126,7 +128,7 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     def test_ccx_has_ended(self):
         """verify that a ccx that has a due date in the past has ended"""
-        now = datetime.now(UTC())
+        now = datetime.now(utc)
         delta = timedelta(1)
         then = now - delta
         self.set_ccx_override('due', then)
@@ -135,7 +137,7 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     def test_ccx_has_not_ended(self):
         """verify that a ccx that has a due date in the future has not eneded
         """
-        now = datetime.now(UTC())
+        now = datetime.now(utc)
         delta = timedelta(1)
         then = now + delta
         self.set_ccx_override('due', then)
@@ -152,7 +154,7 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     }))
     def test_start_datetime_short_date(self):
         """verify that the start date for a ccx formats properly by default"""
-        start = datetime(2015, 1, 1, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC())
+        start = datetime(2015, 1, 1, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=utc)
         expected = "Jan 01, 2015"
         self.set_ccx_override('start', start)
         actual = self.ccx.start_datetime_text()  # pylint: disable=no-member
@@ -163,18 +165,34 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     }))
     def test_start_datetime_date_time_format(self):
         """verify that the DATE_TIME format also works as expected"""
-        start = datetime(2015, 1, 1, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC())
+        start = datetime(2015, 1, 1, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=utc)
         expected = "Jan 01, 2015 at 12:00 UTC"
         self.set_ccx_override('start', start)
         actual = self.ccx.start_datetime_text('DATE_TIME')  # pylint: disable=no-member
         self.assertEqual(expected, actual)
 
+    @ddt.data((datetime(2015, 11, 1, 8, 59, 00, tzinfo=utc), "Nov 01, 2015", "Nov 01, 2015 at 01:59 PDT"),
+              (datetime(2015, 11, 1, 9, 00, 00, tzinfo=utc), "Nov 01, 2015", "Nov 01, 2015 at 01:00 PST"))
+    @ddt.unpack
+    def test_start_date_time_zone(self, start_date_time, expected_short_date, expected_date_time):
+        """
+        verify that start date is correctly converted when time zone specified
+        during normal daylight hours and daylight savings hours
+        """
+        time_zone = timezone('America/Los_Angeles')
+
+        self.set_ccx_override('start', start_date_time)
+        actual_short_date = self.ccx.start_datetime_text(time_zone=time_zone)  # pylint: disable=no-member
+        actual_datetime = self.ccx.start_datetime_text('DATE_TIME', time_zone)  # pylint: disable=no-member
+        self.assertEqual(expected_short_date, actual_short_date)
+        self.assertEqual(expected_date_time, actual_datetime)
+
     @patch('util.date_utils.ugettext', fake_ugettext(translations={
         "SHORT_DATE_FORMAT": "%b %d, %Y",
     }))
     def test_end_datetime_short_date(self):
         """verify that the end date for a ccx formats properly by default"""
-        end = datetime(2015, 1, 1, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC())
+        end = datetime(2015, 1, 1, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=utc)
         expected = "Jan 01, 2015"
         self.set_ccx_override('due', end)
         actual = self.ccx.end_datetime_text()  # pylint: disable=no-member
@@ -185,12 +203,28 @@ class TestCCX(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     }))
     def test_end_datetime_date_time_format(self):
         """verify that the DATE_TIME format also works as expected"""
-        end = datetime(2015, 1, 1, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC())
+        end = datetime(2015, 1, 1, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=utc)
         expected = "Jan 01, 2015 at 12:00 UTC"
         self.set_ccx_override('due', end)
         actual = self.ccx.end_datetime_text('DATE_TIME')  # pylint: disable=no-member
         self.assertEqual(expected, actual)
 
+    @ddt.data((datetime(2015, 11, 1, 8, 59, 00, tzinfo=utc), "Nov 01, 2015", "Nov 01, 2015 at 01:59 PDT"),
+              (datetime(2015, 11, 1, 9, 00, 00, tzinfo=utc), "Nov 01, 2015", "Nov 01, 2015 at 01:00 PST"))
+    @ddt.unpack
+    def test_end_datetime_time_zone(self, end_date_time, expected_short_date, expected_date_time):
+        """
+        verify that end date is correctly converted when time zone specified
+        during normal daylight hours and daylight savings hours
+        """
+        time_zone = timezone('America/Los_Angeles')
+
+        self.set_ccx_override('due', end_date_time)
+        actual_short_date = self.ccx.end_datetime_text(time_zone=time_zone)  # pylint: disable=no-member
+        actual_datetime = self.ccx.end_datetime_text('DATE_TIME', time_zone)  # pylint: disable=no-member
+        self.assertEqual(expected_short_date, actual_short_date)
+        self.assertEqual(expected_date_time, actual_datetime)
+
     @patch('util.date_utils.ugettext', fake_ugettext(translations={
         "DATE_TIME_FORMAT": "%b %d, %Y at %H:%M",
     }))
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/date_summary.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/date_summary.py
index c0fd9daad0..abda7d96af 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/date_summary.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/date_summary.py
@@ -12,11 +12,12 @@ from django.utils.translation import ugettext_lazy
 from django.utils.translation import to_locale, get_language
 from edxmako.shortcuts import render_to_string
 from lazy import lazy
-import pytz
+from pytz import utc
 
 from course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from lms.djangoapps.commerce.utils import EcommerceService
 from lms.djangoapps.verify_student.models import VerificationDeadline, SoftwareSecurePhotoVerification
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_time_zone_abbr, get_user_time_zone
 from student.models import CourseEnrollment
 
 
@@ -64,6 +65,11 @@ class DateSummary(object):
         """The text of the link."""
         return ''
 
+    @property
+    def time_zone(self):
+        """The time zone to display in"""
+        return get_user_time_zone(self.user)
+
     def __init__(self, course, user):
         self.course = course
         self.user = user
@@ -93,7 +99,7 @@ class DateSummary(object):
         if self.date is None:
             return ''
         locale = to_locale(get_language())
-        delta = self.date - datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        delta = self.date - datetime.now(utc)
         try:
             relative_date = format_timedelta(delta, locale=locale)
         # Babel doesn't have translations for Esperanto, so we get
@@ -111,7 +117,7 @@ class DateSummary(object):
         date_format = _(u"{relative} ago - {absolute}") if date_has_passed else _(u"in {relative} - {absolute}")
         return date_format.format(
             relative=relative_date,
-            absolute=self.date.strftime(self.date_format.encode('utf-8')).decode('utf-8'),
+            absolute=self.date.astimezone(self.time_zone).strftime(self.date_format.encode('utf-8')).decode('utf-8'),
         )
 
     @property
@@ -123,7 +129,7 @@ class DateSummary(object):
         future.
         """
         if self.date is not None:
-            return datetime.now(pytz.UTC) <= self.date
+            return datetime.now(utc) <= self.date
         return False
 
     def __repr__(self):
@@ -143,7 +149,7 @@ class TodaysDate(DateSummary):
 
     @property
     def date_format(self):
-        return u'%b %d, %Y (%H:%M {utc})'.format(utc=_('UTC'))
+        return u'%b %d, %Y (%H:%M {tz_abbr})'.format(tz_abbr=get_time_zone_abbr(self.time_zone))
 
     # The date is shown in the title, no need to display it again.
     def get_context(self):
@@ -153,12 +159,12 @@ class TodaysDate(DateSummary):
 
     @property
     def date(self):
-        return datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        return datetime.now(utc)
 
     @property
     def title(self):
         return _(u'Today is {date}').format(
-            date=datetime.now(pytz.UTC).strftime(self.date_format.encode('utf-8')).decode('utf-8')
+            date=self.date.astimezone(self.time_zone).strftime(self.date_format.encode('utf-8')).decode('utf-8')
         )
 
 
@@ -187,7 +193,7 @@ class CourseEndDate(DateSummary):
 
     @property
     def description(self):
-        if datetime.now(pytz.UTC) <= self.date:
+        if datetime.now(utc) <= self.date:
             mode, is_active = CourseEnrollment.enrollment_mode_for_user(self.user, self.course.id)
             if is_active and CourseMode.is_eligible_for_certificate(mode):
                 return _('To earn a certificate, you must complete all requirements before this date.')
@@ -332,7 +338,7 @@ class VerificationDeadlineDate(DateSummary):
         Return True if a verification deadline exists, and has already passed.
         """
         deadline = self.date
-        return deadline is not None and deadline <= datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        return deadline is not None and deadline <= datetime.now(utc)
 
     def must_retry(self):
         """Return True if the user must re-submit verification, False otherwise."""
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_date_summary.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_date_summary.py
index 69683d7602..6a79e94599 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_date_summary.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_date_summary.py
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
 import ddt
 from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
-import freezegun
+from freezegun import freeze_time
 from nose.plugins.attrib import attr
-import pytz
+from pytz import utc
 
 from commerce.models import CommerceConfiguration
 from course_modes.tests.factories import CourseModeFactory
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ from courseware.date_summary import (
     VerifiedUpgradeDeadlineDate,
 )
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.self_paced.models import SelfPacedConfiguration
+from openedx.core.djangoapps.user_api.preferences.api import set_user_preference
 from student.tests.factories import CourseEnrollmentFactory, UserFactory
 from lms.djangoapps.verify_student.models import VerificationDeadline
 from lms.djangoapps.verify_student.tests.factories import SoftwareSecurePhotoVerificationFactory
@@ -50,7 +51,7 @@ class CourseDateSummaryTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
             sku=None
     ):
         """Set up the course and user for this test."""
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.now(utc)
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(  # pylint: disable=attribute-defined-outside-init
             start=now + timedelta(days=days_till_start)
         )
@@ -175,21 +176,49 @@ class CourseDateSummaryTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     ## TodaysDate
 
-    @freezegun.freeze_time('2015-01-02')
-    def test_todays_date(self):
+    def _today_date_helper(self, expected_display_date):
+        """
+        Helper function to test that today's date block renders correctly
+        and displays the correct time, accounting for daylight savings
+        """
         self.setup_course_and_user()
+        set_user_preference(self.user, "time_zone", "America/Los_Angeles")
         block = TodaysDate(self.course, self.user)
         self.assertTrue(block.is_enabled)
-        self.assertEqual(block.date, datetime.now(pytz.UTC))
-        self.assertEqual(block.title, 'Today is Jan 02, 2015 (00:00 UTC)')
+        self.assertEqual(block.date, datetime.now(utc))
+        self.assertEqual(block.title, 'Today is {date}'.format(date=expected_display_date))
         self.assertNotIn('date-summary-date', block.render())
 
-    @freezegun.freeze_time('2015-01-02')
+    @freeze_time('2015-11-01 08:59:00')
+    def test_todays_date_time_zone_daylight(self):
+        """
+        Test today's date block displays correctly during
+        daylight savings hours
+        """
+        self._today_date_helper('Nov 01, 2015 (01:59 PDT)')
+
+    @freeze_time('2015-11-01 09:00:00')
+    def test_todays_date_time_zone_normal(self):
+        """
+        Test today's date block displays correctly during
+        normal daylight hours
+        """
+        self._today_date_helper('Nov 01, 2015 (01:00 PST)')
+
+    @freeze_time('2015-01-02')
     def test_todays_date_render(self):
         self.setup_course_and_user()
         block = TodaysDate(self.course, self.user)
         self.assertIn('Jan 02, 2015', block.render())
 
+    @freeze_time('2015-01-02')
+    def test_todays_date_render_time_zone(self):
+        self.setup_course_and_user()
+        set_user_preference(self.user, "time_zone", "America/Los_Angeles")
+        block = TodaysDate(self.course, self.user)
+        # Today is 'Jan 01, 2015' because of time zone offset
+        self.assertIn('Jan 01, 2015', block.render())
+
     ## CourseStartDate
 
     def test_course_start_date(self):
@@ -197,12 +226,20 @@ class CourseDateSummaryTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
         block = CourseStartDate(self.course, self.user)
         self.assertEqual(block.date, self.course.start)
 
-    @freezegun.freeze_time('2015-01-02')
+    @freeze_time('2015-01-02')
     def test_start_date_render(self):
         self.setup_course_and_user()
         block = CourseStartDate(self.course, self.user)
         self.assertIn('in 1 day - Jan 03, 2015', block.render())
 
+    @freeze_time('2015-01-02')
+    def test_start_date_render_time_zone(self):
+        self.setup_course_and_user()
+        set_user_preference(self.user, "time_zone", "America/Los_Angeles")
+        block = CourseStartDate(self.course, self.user)
+        # Jan 02 is in 1 day because of time zone offset
+        self.assertIn('in 1 day - Jan 02, 2015', block.render())
+
     ## CourseEndDate
 
     def test_course_end_date_for_certificate_eligible_mode(self):
@@ -231,11 +268,11 @@ class CourseDateSummaryTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     ## VerifiedUpgradeDeadlineDate
 
-    @freezegun.freeze_time('2015-01-02')
+    @freeze_time('2015-01-02')
     def test_verified_upgrade_deadline_date(self):
         self.setup_course_and_user(days_till_upgrade_deadline=1)
         block = VerifiedUpgradeDeadlineDate(self.course, self.user)
-        self.assertEqual(block.date, datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1))
+        self.assertEqual(block.date, datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=1))
         self.assertEqual(block.link, reverse('verify_student_upgrade_and_verify', args=(self.course.id,)))
 
     def test_without_upgrade_deadline(self):
@@ -267,13 +304,13 @@ class CourseDateSummaryTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
         block = VerificationDeadlineDate(self.course, self.user)
         self.assertFalse(block.is_enabled)
 
-    @freezegun.freeze_time('2015-01-02')
+    @freeze_time('2015-01-02')
     def test_verification_deadline_date_upcoming(self):
         self.setup_course_and_user(days_till_start=-1)
         block = VerificationDeadlineDate(self.course, self.user)
         self.assertEqual(block.css_class, 'verification-deadline-upcoming')
         self.assertEqual(block.title, 'Verification Deadline')
-        self.assertEqual(block.date, datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=14))
+        self.assertEqual(block.date, datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=14))
         self.assertEqual(
             block.description,
             'You must successfully complete verification before this date to qualify for a Verified Certificate.'
@@ -281,13 +318,13 @@ class CourseDateSummaryTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
         self.assertEqual(block.link_text, 'Verify My Identity')
         self.assertEqual(block.link, reverse('verify_student_verify_now', args=(self.course.id,)))
 
-    @freezegun.freeze_time('2015-01-02')
+    @freeze_time('2015-01-02')
     def test_verification_deadline_date_retry(self):
         self.setup_course_and_user(days_till_start=-1, verification_status='denied')
         block = VerificationDeadlineDate(self.course, self.user)
         self.assertEqual(block.css_class, 'verification-deadline-retry')
         self.assertEqual(block.title, 'Verification Deadline')
-        self.assertEqual(block.date, datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=14))
+        self.assertEqual(block.date, datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=14))
         self.assertEqual(
             block.description,
             'You must successfully complete verification before this date to qualify for a Verified Certificate.'
@@ -295,7 +332,7 @@ class CourseDateSummaryTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
         self.assertEqual(block.link_text, 'Retry Verification')
         self.assertEqual(block.link, reverse('verify_student_reverify'))
 
-    @freezegun.freeze_time('2015-01-02')
+    @freeze_time('2015-01-02')
     def test_verification_deadline_date_denied(self):
         self.setup_course_and_user(
             days_till_start=-10,
@@ -305,7 +342,7 @@ class CourseDateSummaryTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
         block = VerificationDeadlineDate(self.course, self.user)
         self.assertEqual(block.css_class, 'verification-deadline-passed')
         self.assertEqual(block.title, 'Missed Verification Deadline')
-        self.assertEqual(block.date, datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=-1))
+        self.assertEqual(block.date, datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=-1))
         self.assertEqual(
             block.description,
             "Unfortunately you missed this course's deadline for a successful verification."
@@ -313,7 +350,7 @@ class CourseDateSummaryTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
         self.assertEqual(block.link_text, 'Learn More')
         self.assertEqual(block.link, '')
 
-    @freezegun.freeze_time('2015-01-02')
+    @freeze_time('2015-01-02')
     @ddt.data(
         (-1, '1 day ago - Jan 01, 2015'),
         (1, 'in 1 day - Jan 03, 2015')
@@ -327,3 +364,20 @@ class CourseDateSummaryTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
         )
         block = VerificationDeadlineDate(self.course, self.user)
         self.assertEqual(block.get_context()['date'], expected_date_string)
+
+    @freeze_time('2015-01-02')
+    @ddt.data(
+        # dates reflected from Jan 01, 2015 because of time zone offset
+        (-1, '1 day ago - Dec 31, 2014'),
+        (1, 'in 1 day - Jan 02, 2015')
+    )
+    @ddt.unpack
+    def test_render_date_string_time_zone(self, delta, expected_date_string):
+        self.setup_course_and_user(
+            days_till_start=-10,
+            verification_status='denied',
+            days_till_verification_deadline=delta,
+        )
+        set_user_preference(self.user, "time_zone", "America/Los_Angeles")
+        block = VerificationDeadlineDate(self.course, self.user)
+        self.assertEqual(block.get_context()['date'], expected_date_string)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views/index.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views/index.py
index 5597b29745..e102eb27d4 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views/index.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views/index.py
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ from lang_pref import LANGUAGE_KEY
 from xblock.fragment import Fragment
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from openedx.core.lib.gating import api as gating_api
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_user_time_zone
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.user_api.preferences.api import get_user_preference
 from shoppingcart.models import CourseRegistrationCode
 from student.models import CourseEnrollment
@@ -514,6 +515,7 @@ def render_accordion(request, course, table_of_contents):
             ('course_id', unicode(course.id)),
             ('csrf', csrf(request)['csrf_token']),
             ('due_date_display_format', course.due_date_display_format),
+            ('time_zone', get_user_time_zone(request.user).zone),
         ] + TEMPLATE_IMPORTS.items()
     )
     return render_to_string('courseware/accordion.html', context)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/student_account/views.py b/lms/djangoapps/student_account/views.py
index f57798ecda..758e5bbc77 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/student_account/views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/student_account/views.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ from openedx.core.djangoapps.programs.models import ProgramsApiConfig
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.theming.helpers import is_request_in_themed_site, get_value as get_themed_value
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.user_api.accounts.api import request_password_change
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.user_api.errors import UserNotFound
-from openedx.core.djangoapps.user_api.models import UserPreference
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import TIME_ZONE_CHOICES
 from openedx.core.lib.edx_api_utils import get_edx_api_data
 from student.models import UserProfile
 from student.views import (
@@ -449,7 +449,7 @@ def account_settings_context(request):
             }, 'preferred_language': {
                 'options': all_languages(),
             }, 'time_zone': {
-                'options': UserPreference.TIME_ZONE_CHOICES,
+                'options': TIME_ZONE_CHOICES,
                 'enabled': settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_TIME_ZONE_PREFERENCE'),
             }
         },
diff --git a/lms/static/sass/course/courseware/_sidebar.scss b/lms/static/sass/course/courseware/_sidebar.scss
index c609960215..63624989d3 100644
--- a/lms/static/sass/course/courseware/_sidebar.scss
+++ b/lms/static/sass/course/courseware/_sidebar.scss
@@ -129,6 +129,10 @@
                                         color: $alert-color;
                                     }
                                 }
+
+                                .subtitle-name {
+                                    margin-right: 5px;
+                                }
                             }
 
                             &:hover,
diff --git a/lms/templates/courseware/accordion.html b/lms/templates/courseware/accordion.html
index b684299539..621ee43842 100644
--- a/lms/templates/courseware/accordion.html
+++ b/lms/templates/courseware/accordion.html
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ else:
                 if section.get('due') is None:
                     due_date = ''
                 else:
-                    formatted_string = get_time_display(section['due'], due_date_display_format, coerce_tz=settings.TIME_ZONE_DISPLAYED_FOR_DEADLINES)
+                    formatted_string = get_time_display(section['due'], due_date_display_format, coerce_tz=time_zone)
                     due_date = '' if len(formatted_string)==0 else _('due {date}').format(date=formatted_string)
                 %>
 
diff --git a/lms/templates/dashboard/_dashboard_course_listing.html b/lms/templates/dashboard/_dashboard_course_listing.html
index de1e6b354c..9f34081c62 100644
--- a/lms/templates/dashboard/_dashboard_course_listing.html
+++ b/lms/templates/dashboard/_dashboard_course_listing.html
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ from course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from course_modes.helpers import enrollment_mode_display
 from openedx.core.djangolib.js_utils import dump_js_escaped_json
 from openedx.core.djangolib.markup import HTML, Text
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_user_time_zone
 from student.helpers import (
   VERIFY_STATUS_NEED_TO_VERIFY,
   VERIFY_STATUS_SUBMITTED,
@@ -103,16 +104,17 @@ from student.helpers import (
           <span class="info-university">${course_overview.display_org_with_default} - </span>
           <span class="info-course-id">${course_overview.display_number_with_default}</span>
           <span class="info-date-block" data-tooltip="Hi">
+          <% time_zone = get_user_time_zone(user) %>
           % if course_overview.has_ended():
-            ${_("Ended - {end_date}").format(end_date=course_overview.end_datetime_text("SHORT_DATE"))}
+            ${_("Ended - {end_date}").format(end_date=course_overview.end_datetime_text("SHORT_DATE", time_zone))}
           % elif course_overview.has_started():
-            ${_("Started - {start_date}").format(start_date=course_overview.start_datetime_text("SHORT_DATE"))}
+            ${_("Started - {start_date}").format(start_date=course_overview.start_datetime_text("SHORT_DATE", time_zone))}
           % elif course_overview.start_date_is_still_default: # Course start date TBD
             ${_("Coming Soon")}
           % elif course_overview.starts_within(days=5):   # hasn't started yet
-            ${_("Starts - {start_date}").format(start_date=course_overview.start_datetime_text("DAY_AND_TIME"))}
+            ${_("Starts - {start_date}").format(start_date=course_overview.start_datetime_text("DAY_AND_TIME", time_zone))}
           % else:   # hasn't started yet
-            ${_("Starts - {start_date}").format(start_date=course_overview.start_datetime_text("SHORT_DATE"))}
+            ${_("Starts - {start_date}").format(start_date=course_overview.start_datetime_text("SHORT_DATE", time_zone))}
           % endif
           </span>
         </div>
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/models.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/models.py
index 8cfdb6e515..a16d83fb0d 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/models.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/models.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from config_models.models import ConfigurationModel
 from lms.djangoapps import django_comment_client
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.models.course_details import CourseDetails
+from pytz import utc
 from static_replace.models import AssetBaseUrlConfig
 from util.date_utils import strftime_localized
 from xmodule import course_metadata_utils, block_metadata_utils
@@ -359,15 +360,17 @@ class CourseOverview(TimeStampedModel):
 
         return course_metadata_utils.course_starts_within(self.start, days)
 
-    def start_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE"):
+    def start_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE", time_zone=utc):
         """
-        Returns the desired text corresponding the course's start date and
-        time in UTC.  Prefers .advertised_start, then falls back to .start.
+        Returns the desired text corresponding to the course's start date and
+        time in the specified time zone, or utc if no time zone given.
+        Prefers .advertised_start, then falls back to .start.
         """
         return course_metadata_utils.course_start_datetime_text(
             self.start,
             self.advertised_start,
             format_string,
+            time_zone,
             ugettext,
             strftime_localized
         )
@@ -383,13 +386,14 @@ class CourseOverview(TimeStampedModel):
             self.advertised_start,
         )
 
-    def end_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE"):
+    def end_datetime_text(self, format_string="SHORT_DATE", time_zone=utc):
         """
         Returns the end date or datetime for the course formatted as a string.
         """
         return course_metadata_utils.course_end_datetime_text(
             self.end,
             format_string,
+            time_zone,
             strftime_localized
         )
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/models.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/models.py
index b6d519d11a..6d893ef6f3 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/models.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/models.py
@@ -8,9 +8,6 @@ from django.db.models.signals import post_delete, pre_save, post_save
 from django.dispatch import receiver
 from model_utils.models import TimeStampedModel
 
-from pytz import common_timezones
-from util.date_utils import get_formatted_time_zone
-
 from util.model_utils import get_changed_fields_dict, emit_setting_changed_event
 from xmodule_django.models import CourseKeyField
 
@@ -30,10 +27,6 @@ class UserPreference(models.Model):
     key = models.CharField(max_length=255, db_index=True, validators=[RegexValidator(KEY_REGEX)])
     value = models.TextField()
 
-    TIME_ZONE_CHOICES = [
-        (tz, get_formatted_time_zone(tz)) for tz in common_timezones
-    ]
-
     class Meta(object):
         unique_together = ("user", "key")
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/api.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/api.py
index 4976a7600e..a3184ddf8b 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/api.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/api.py
@@ -396,7 +396,7 @@ def validate_user_preference_serializer(serializer, preference_key, preference_v
         })
     if preference_key == "time_zone" and preference_value not in common_timezones_set:
         developer_message = ugettext_noop(u"Value '{preference_value}' not valid for preference '{preference_key}': Not in timezone set.")  # pylint: disable=line-too-long
-        user_message = ugettext_noop(u"Value '{preference_value}' is not valid for user preference '{preference_key}'.")
+        user_message = ugettext_noop(u"Value '{preference_value}' is not a valid time zone selection.")
         raise PreferenceValidationError({
             preference_key: {
                 "developer_message": developer_message.format(
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/tests/test_views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/tests/test_views.py
index 111fff536b..e55ecba99e 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/tests/test_views.py
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ class TestPreferencesAPI(UserAPITestCase):
                 "time_zone": {
                     "developer_message": u"Value 'Asia/Africa' not valid for preference 'time_zone': Not in "
                                          u"timezone set.",
-                    "user_message": u"Value 'Asia/Africa' is not valid for user preference 'time_zone'."
+                    "user_message": u"Value 'Asia/Africa' is not a valid time zone selection."
                 },
             }
         )
diff --git a/openedx/core/lib/tests/test_time_zone_utils.py b/openedx/core/lib/tests/test_time_zone_utils.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3133841612
--- /dev/null
+++ b/openedx/core/lib/tests/test_time_zone_utils.py
@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+"""Tests covering time zone utilities."""
+from freezegun import freeze_time
+from student.tests.factories import UserFactory
+from openedx.core.djangoapps.user_api.preferences.api import set_user_preference
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import (
+    get_formatted_time_zone, get_time_zone_abbr, get_time_zone_offset, get_user_time_zone
+)
+from pytz import timezone, utc
+from unittest import TestCase
+
+
+class TestTimeZoneUtils(TestCase):
+    """
+    Tests the time zone utilities
+    """
+    def setUp(self):
+        """
+        Sets up user for testing with time zone utils.
+        """
+        super(TestTimeZoneUtils, self).setUp()
+
+        self.user = UserFactory.build()
+        self.user.save()
+
+    def test_get_user_time_zone(self):
+        """
+        Test to ensure get_user_time_zone() returns the correct time zone
+        or UTC if user has not specified time zone.
+        """
+        # User time zone should be UTC when no time zone has been chosen
+        user_tz = get_user_time_zone(self.user)
+        self.assertEqual(user_tz, utc)
+
+        # User time zone should change when user specifies time zone
+        set_user_preference(self.user, 'time_zone', 'Asia/Tokyo')
+        user_tz = get_user_time_zone(self.user)
+        self.assertEqual(user_tz, timezone('Asia/Tokyo'))
+
+    def _formatted_time_zone_helper(self, time_zone_string):
+        """
+        Helper function to return all info from get_formatted_time_zone()
+        """
+        time_zone = timezone(time_zone_string)
+        tz_str = get_formatted_time_zone(time_zone)
+        tz_abbr = get_time_zone_abbr(time_zone)
+        tz_offset = get_time_zone_offset(time_zone)
+
+        return {'str': tz_str, 'abbr': tz_abbr, 'offset': tz_offset}
+
+    def _assert_time_zone_info_equal(self, formatted_tz_info, expected_name, expected_abbr, expected_offset):
+        """
+        Asserts that all formatted_tz_info is equal to the expected inputs
+        """
+        self.assertEqual(formatted_tz_info['str'], '{name} ({abbr}, UTC{offset})'.format(name=expected_name,
+                                                                                         abbr=expected_abbr,
+                                                                                         offset=expected_offset))
+        self.assertEqual(formatted_tz_info['abbr'], expected_abbr)
+        self.assertEqual(formatted_tz_info['offset'], expected_offset)
+
+    @freeze_time("2015-02-09")
+    def test_formatted_time_zone_without_dst(self):
+        """
+        Test to ensure get_formatted_time_zone() returns full formatted string when no kwargs specified
+        and returns just abbreviation or offset when specified
+        """
+        tz_info = self._formatted_time_zone_helper('America/Los_Angeles')
+        self._assert_time_zone_info_equal(tz_info, 'America/Los Angeles', 'PST', '-0800')
+
+    @freeze_time("2015-04-02")
+    def test_formatted_time_zone_with_dst(self):
+        """
+        Test to ensure get_formatted_time_zone() returns modified abbreviations and
+        offsets during daylight savings time.
+        """
+        tz_info = self._formatted_time_zone_helper('America/Los_Angeles')
+        self._assert_time_zone_info_equal(tz_info, 'America/Los Angeles', 'PDT', '-0700')
+
+    @freeze_time("2015-11-01 08:59:00")
+    def test_formatted_time_zone_ambiguous_before(self):
+        """
+        Test to ensure get_formatted_time_zone() returns correct abbreviations and offsets
+        during ambiguous time periods (e.g. when DST is about to start/end) before the change
+        """
+        tz_info = self._formatted_time_zone_helper('America/Los_Angeles')
+        self._assert_time_zone_info_equal(tz_info, 'America/Los Angeles', 'PDT', '-0700')
+
+    @freeze_time("2015-11-01 09:00:00")
+    def test_formatted_time_zone_ambiguous_after(self):
+        """
+        Test to ensure get_formatted_time_zone() returns correct abbreviations and offsets
+        during ambiguous time periods (e.g. when DST is about to start/end) after the change
+        """
+        tz_info = self._formatted_time_zone_helper('America/Los_Angeles')
+        self._assert_time_zone_info_equal(tz_info, 'America/Los Angeles', 'PST', '-0800')
diff --git a/openedx/core/lib/time_zone_utils.py b/openedx/core/lib/time_zone_utils.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..35f792e579
--- /dev/null
+++ b/openedx/core/lib/time_zone_utils.py
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+"""
+Utilities related to timezones
+"""
+from datetime import datetime
+
+from pytz import common_timezones, timezone, utc
+
+
+def get_user_time_zone(user):
+    """
+    Returns pytz time zone object of the user's time zone if available or UTC time zone if unavailable
+    """
+    #TODO: exception for unknown timezones?
+    time_zone = user.preferences.model.get_value(user, "time_zone")
+    if time_zone is not None:
+        return timezone(time_zone)
+    return utc
+
+
+def _format_time_zone_string(time_zone, date_time, format_string):
+    """
+    Returns a string, specified by format string, of the current date/time of the time zone.
+
+    :param time_zone: Pytz time zone object
+    :param date_time: datetime object of date to convert
+    :param format_string: A list of format codes can be found at:
+            https://docs.python.org/2/library/datetime.html#strftime-and-strptime-behavior
+    """
+    return date_time.astimezone(time_zone).strftime(format_string)
+
+
+def get_time_zone_abbr(time_zone, date_time=None):
+    """
+    Returns the time zone abbreviation (e.g. EST) of the time zone for given datetime
+    """
+    date_time = datetime.now(utc) if date_time is None else date_time
+    return _format_time_zone_string(time_zone, date_time, '%Z')
+
+
+def get_time_zone_offset(time_zone, date_time=None):
+    """
+    Returns the time zone offset (e.g. -0800) of the time zone for given datetime
+    """
+    date_time = datetime.now(utc) if date_time is None else date_time
+    return _format_time_zone_string(time_zone, date_time, '%z')
+
+
+def get_formatted_time_zone(time_zone):
+    """
+    Returns a formatted time zone (e.g. 'Asia/Tokyo (JST, UTC+0900)')
+
+    :param time_zone: Pytz time zone object
+    """
+    tz_abbr = get_time_zone_abbr(time_zone)
+    tz_offset = get_time_zone_offset(time_zone)
+
+    return "{name} ({abbr}, UTC{offset})".format(name=time_zone, abbr=tz_abbr, offset=tz_offset).replace("_", " ")
+
+
+TIME_ZONE_CHOICES = sorted(
+    [(tz, get_formatted_time_zone(timezone(tz))) for tz in common_timezones],
+    key=lambda tz_tuple: tz_tuple[1]
+)