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Office of International Services

Reduced Course Load

All students must be enrolled full-time each term. However, there may be an instance where a reduced course load (RCL) is necessary. Before withdrawing from courses and applying for an RCl, contact your academic department to confirm eligibility to continue in your program. Then, contact the Office of International Services to ensure that the reason falls under F-1/J-1 regulations. An RCL is only allowed under specific academic or medical circumstances outlined below and at the discretion of your academic program. 

Submit your request for an RCL through the International Services Portal.

Note: If an RCL creates a situation where a program extension is needed, a Request for Program Extension must also be filled out and approved at the same time.

Duration: One term maximum

Enrollment requirement: During the authorization period for RCL, based on academic difficulties, a student must maintain a minimum six-credit course load, or half the clock hours required for a full course of study. The student is expected to resume a full course of study for the next available academic term. A student in their final term needing less than full-time credits to graduate may also be authorized for an RCL if their final class(es) are on-campus.

  • Reasons permitted (only one must be selected): 
    • Difficulty with the English language (1st term only).
    • Difficulty with reading requirements (1st term only).
    • Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods (1st term only).
    • Improper course-level placement.
    • The student is in the final term of a degree program and will enroll in the credit hours needed to complete the program of study.

Duration: Up to 12 months

Enrollment requirement: There is no minimum enrollment requirement for students who are authorized for RCL based on medical conditions.

  • Documentation from a licensed medical doctor/doctor of osteopathy/clinical psychologist must be provided to substantiate the authorization for RCL based on a medical condition.

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