Reduced Course Load

Students in the US on F-1 and J-1 visas are required to carry a full course of study each semester:

Full-time Enrollment Requirements:

Undergraduate – 12 credit hours
Graduate – 9 credit hours
ESL – 20 classroom hours

Regulations permit students to drop below full-time for very limited and specific reasons. In these cases, students must receive prior approval from a Student Immigration Specialist in Bradley Hall.

To request a Reduced Course Load, submit an e-form in iCAT.  A student who drops below a full course of study without the prior approval of the Student Immigration Specialist will be considered out of status.

Reduced Course Load Eligibility

Undergraduates

Initial academic difficulties due to unfamiliarity with American teaching methods, English difficulties, or improper course level placement (one semester only).
Students in their final semester of study before graduation.
Students who have a medical problem certified by a physician or clinical psychologist (maximum of two semesters; number of course hours determined by physician).

Graduates

Initial academic difficulties due to unfamiliarity with American teaching methods, English difficulties, or improper course level placement (one semester only).
Students in their final semester of course work.
Students who have a medical problem certified by a physician or clinical psychologist (maximum of two semesters; number of course hours determined by physician).

ESL

Students who have a medical problem certified by a physician or clinical psychologist (maximum of two semesters; number of course hours determined by physician).

Medical RCL Documentation Requirements

Students requesting RCL based on a medical condition should submit a letter from a U.S. licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist with all the following information:

Student's Name
Semester for Recommended Reduced Course Load
Estimated length of condition
Recommendation for no enrollment or part time enrollment
Health Care Provider’s Name
Signature
Date of Signature
Address and phone number of doctor

You must obtain this letter before submitting an RCL request in iCAT