Can I take online English courses?
International students are not allowed to take English classes online. If you register for an online English class during any term (Winter/Summer) or semester (Fall/Spring), you will be dropped from the online English class without warning.
Can I take online classes?
Continuing International Students are allowed to take online classes (except English classes).
Continuing International Students have to take at least 9 units on-campus or hybrid every Fall and Spring Semester with only 1 online class used to meet full-time student status (12 units minimum). As long as the student meets the 9-unit on-campus or hybrid rule, the remaining units in that semester may be taken online (except Online English classes).
Hybrid classes that have room numbers listed on the Class Schedule are counted as on-campus units. No on-campus restrictions apply in Winter and Summer optional terms for continuing students.
Beware of using a VPN
- To maintain the security and integrity of our online learning systems, we advise international students to avoid using VPNs to access online classes. VPN usage may trigger security flags, as some high-risk IP addresses are associated with fraudulent activity.
- Please note that if your VPN usage results in your IP address being flagged as high-risk, your enrollment in the online course may be subject to review and potential cancelation, and you may not be allowed to take any online classes going forward.
- We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us ensure a secure and trustworthy learning environment.
- We are working hard to find a possible solution to this issue.
New students must take all courses on-campus in their first Term/Semester, unless a counselor or advisor approves otherwise on a Student Education Plan (SEP).
Continuing students must take the majority of their classes each semester on-campus. This means that every fall and spring semester, continuing students must complete at least 9 of their 12 unit minimum in on-campus or hybrid unit classes. Only 3 online units can be counted towards the 12 unit minimum requirement each semester.
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study. A student can apply for OPT three months before they complete their program of study. OPT is allowed up to 12 months full-time after completing a program of study at each college level (Associate/Bachelor/Master/PhD).
Two Types of OPT:
Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) - is employment authorization before the completion of a student's program of study. Students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and more than 20 hours while school is not in session. This is only allowed for certain majors.
General Guidelines for Pre-completion (OPT)
- Student must be in lawful F-1 student status at the time of application
- Student must have been enrolled in a full course of study for at least one academic year or will have met this requirement by the time the pre-completion OPT is requested to commence
- Student must continue enrolling full-time throughout the time spent on pre-completion OPT. It is not possible for a student to take a break from school in order to work on pre-completion OPT
- Student must have not engaged in more than 12 months of full-time curricular practical training (CPT) during the current degree level
- Student must have not been authorized for 12 months of OPT at the current degree level
- Student does not need to have a pending job offer letter to apply for pre-completion
- Student may only engage in part-time employment (up 20 hours a week) while school is in session
Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) - is employment authorization to begin after a student's successful completion of studies and program end date.
General Guidelines Post-completion OPT
A student must be in lawful F-1 student status at the time of application
- A student must have been enrolled in a full course of study for at least one academic year, or will have met this requirement by the time the post-completion OPT is requested to commence
- A student must have not engaged in more than 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during the current degree level
- A student must not have been previously authorized for 12 months of OPT at the current degree level
- A student does not need to have a pending job offer letter to apply for post-completion OPT
- Employment may not begin until the OPT application has been approved by USCIS and the student has received his or her Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
- The recommended employment start date must be after the student's official program end date (usually graduation/commencement) and no later than the end of his or her 60 day grace period
- Employment must be within the student's field of study
- Students must work at least 20 hours per week on OPT in order to maintain F-1 status
- Students may have no more than 90 days of unemployment during the 12 month period for which OPT is authorized
- Students may hold multiple jobs on OPT, simultaneously if desired, as long as all employment held is within the student's field of study
- OPT employment may be paid or unpaid
- Note that on average it takes USCIS between 2 – 3 months to approve an OPT application and mail a student the EAD card.
What is academic probation?
A student will be placed on academic probation if they have less than a cumulative 2.0 GPA at the end of the first semester after attempting 12 or more units. Students who are on academic probation for two consecutive semesters are subject to being dismissed academically from Citrus College.
How to avoid academic probation?
To avoid academic probation, students must keep a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. As soon as you know you may be facing academic difficulty, please see a counselor.
What is progress probation?
A student will be placed on progress probation when the percentage of units earned with a W, I, and NP’s reaches at least 50% of all units earned after attempting 12 or more units. Students remain on progress probation until the percentage of units with a W, I, and NP falls below 50% of all units earned. Students who are on progress probation for two consecutive semesters are subject to being dismissed academically from Citrus College.
How do I know if I am on academic/progress probation?
If you were placed on academic or progress probation you will receive a notification via Citrus College email informing you about academic and/or progress probation status. After you receive the notification that you are on probation, you must complete the online Probation Workshop to remove your probation hold. We also encourage you to meet with an International Student counselor to discuss strategies for improving your academic performance.
What is academic dismissal and progress dismissal?
If you have been placed on academic probation for two (2) consecutive semesters, you shall be subject to dismissal. If you have been placed on progress probation for two (2) consecutive semesters, you shall be subject to dismissal. We encourage you to meet with an International Student counselor to discuss strategies for improving your academic performance.
How to calculate my GPA?
To calculate your GPA, divide the total number of grade points earned by the total number of units attempted.
Example:
| Class Points | Grades | Point Value | Units Attempted | = | Grades Points | |
| Class 1 | A | 4 | X | 5 | = | 20 |
| Class 2 | B | 3 | X | 3 | = | 9 |
| Class 3 | C | 2 | X | 3 | = | 6 |
| Class 4 | D | 1 | X | 3 | = | 3 |
| Class 5 | F | 0 | X | 4 | = | 0 |
GPA Formula: Total grade point earned ÷ Total units attempted