Application Open, Close

If the context is NOT computer-related, how does an application open or close?

/tinymce347/%20http:/www.aa.washington.edu/admissions/undergradapp.html%20%20:
"Currently enrolled UW students will be able to apply to the department once the College of Engineering application opens for the autumn quarter admission process. The application normally opens up after the spring quarter grades have been posted to student transcripts. It is typically about the third week of June. The application then remains open until July 1st, at which time it closes permanently until the following year. "

An 'application' is a formal request for something. Often, it is a piece of paper with personal info submitted for review/consideration. But in the example, the author thinks that an 'application' could open or close. Could it be an error? Maybe it is the application cycle/period that opens or closes?