7-Week Blocks (International Students)

As an international student, you'll get all the benefits of shorter courses and a more flexible schedule from 7-week blocks—but make sure to also stay in status.

Return to 7-Week Blocks

How to Navigate the Block Schedule

Registration Requirements for International Students

  1. Take 12 credits each semester - Make sure that you register for both blocks before the start of the semester and that you take at least 12 total credits each semester. Of those 12 or more credits, at least 9 must be taken as in-person courses (not online or Zoom).
  2. Take at least 6 credits each block – To maintain full-time F-1 status, you need to be in at least 6 credits each block.
  3. At least half of each block must be in-person credits - To stay in status, at least half of your credits each block must be in-person classes.
  4. CPT only within one semester. In accordance with the law, you are only authorized to do CPT within one semester. For example, you can't have CPT authorization in the second half of fall semester and also in the first half of winter semester. You'll need to complete your CPT all in one semester.

7WB International

Tips for Success with the Block Schedule

  1. Plan ahead- Meet with your academic advisor and use Grad Planner to know in advance which courses you need to graduate.
  2. Register early - this will give you the best chance of getting into the courses and sections you want for each block.
  3. Knowledge is power - Know which courses have prerequisites. This is important because if you don’t earn a high enough grade to take the next course in the next block, you will need to change your schedule for the second block.
  4. Know your Eligibility for CPT - Make sure you know what courses in your program require CPT authorization and make sure you are eligible for CPT before registering.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Vacation Semesters, and Reduced Course Load

  • Internship, project-based work experience, and practicum courses are semester-long, not divided by the block.
  • Your approved annual vacation will be semester-long, not divided by the block.
  • For those who qualify for a final semester RCL, you will still be required to take classes in person both blocks.

Schedule Examples

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Semester-Long Class (4 credits)

If you take a 4-credit, semester-long class, two credits will count towards each block. You will need to take at least four other credits each block to have six credits in each block and meet the 12-credit requirement. You could take one of the three-credit classes online, but the rest of your classes will need to be in-person to maintain the 9-credit in-person F-1 student regulation. 
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Internship Course (1 credit)

If you take CAR 399R or 499R, it will span the entire semester. Register for enough classes to have six credits each block. One of your 3-credit classes could be online. Or you could take the internship class online and have the rest of your classes in person.
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2-Credit Course

Religion credits pair well with a 2-credit class and a 3-credit class to have six total credits in one block. In the first block, you could take the 1-credit and religion classes online if your 3-credit class is in person. In the second block, you would need to take two classes in person to have 9 total in-person credits that semester. 

HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT STAYING IN-STATUS?

Feel free to contact the International Student Office.

Email: international@ensign.edu

Phone: 801-524-8142

Have a question? Our Virtual Assistant may be able to help.