submitted by Susan Williams, Stake Education Specialist

Beginning Spring 2025, most Ensign College campus courses will move from the current 14-week semester to two 7-week blocks within a semester. The change will be a big one, Ensign College President Bruce C. Kusch said. “But we’re confident it will be a positive one.”

Administrators hope the new seven-week block system will provide more flexibility while improving the student experience. Ensign College often caters to nontraditional students or adult learners who often also work and balance family responsibilities. President Kusch explained that courses are not being split but are being adapted to fit the same curriculum into seven weeks. The move will require some adjustments to how much time is spent in class but will involve both in-person class time and online instruction.

The idea is that students will focus on one or two courses during a block, rather than four or five courses during a semester. Shorter blocks with fewer courses encourage students to focus better, leading to higher completion rates and higher achievement. Also, instead of three or four semesters during the year, the academic calendar will consist of six seven-week blocks, with a week or two break between.

President Kusch said they think the seven-week block will also be helpful and provide greater flexibility to adult learners who are trying to juggle work, family and school. It could also benefit returned missionaries, who will have the opportunity to get back into school quicker, rather than waiting for the end of a semester. “We want to make it as easy as possible for someone to come and have the Ensign College experience,” President Kusch said.

About Ensign College

Ensign College offers certificates that can be earned in two semesters, associate degrees that can be earned in two years and a limited number of Bachelor of Applied Science degrees. In other words, its purpose is to provide enough education to students to get their first job and an understanding of how to get their second job — meaning all the curriculum is applied or practical. “Our focus is preparing students for the workforce of today and tomorrow. We only teach skills that lead to jobs, and we do it in a spiritually nourishing environment,” said President Kusch.

Ensign College is an institution of higher education founded and sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The campus is in Salt Lake City.  http://www.ensign.edu