Block Calendar

Building Blocks of Your Education

If you're seeking to acquire a degree or certificate of completion at Rio Salado College, you'll need to sign up for classes using our Block Calendar system. It's a system that offers a great degree of flexibility for scheduling, offering a wide variety of start dates for classes.

Plan Your Course Blocks

Block Calendar Primer

If you plan to earn a degree or certificate at Rio Salado College, you must register for classes and choose a start date that will determine your Block Calendar. This video explains how the Block Calendar works.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Block Calendar system?

Rio Salado College has an academic calendar that is divided into 16 “blocks” for every semester. Each block is 16 weeks long, with a fixed start and end date. All students seeking to earn a degree or certificate will participate in this Block Calendar system. Your first class start date will determine your personal block and all classes for that semester will need to officially begin and end within that 16 week period.
2. Do I have to schedule all my classes using the Block Calendar?

If you're a Guest Student who's just taking a couple of classes, no. But students looking to complete a degree or certificate of completion program must use the Block Calendar system.
3. Do all my classes have to fall within the same block?

Yes. If you enroll in courses that do not fit within your block, you will be immediately dropped and notified. Some courses have the option to officially accelerate and complete in 8 weeks and have more flexibility to fit into your block.
4. What if my class is less than sixteen weeks long?

Not a problem: The Block Calendar is designed to accommodate class lengths of 8, 14, or 16 weeks.
5. Can I add additional courses once my block has begun?

Yes, as long as all classes officially start and end within your 16 week block period.
6. What if I’m a Guest Student and want to change my major and pursue a degree or certificate?

If you decide to pursue a degree or certificate with Rio, you will need to wait until all courses are completed for that semester before we may update your record and declare your program. Please contact your Success Coach for more information.