Reduced Course Load
Ordinarily, F-1 and J-1 students must be enrolled for a full course of study during every semester. There are a few exceptions, listed below.
Academic difficulties: You may receive permission to enroll for less than full time only once per degree level and only for one of the following reasons.
- Initial difficulty with the English language or with reading requirements
- Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods (not with an individual professor)
- Improper course placement
The DSO must have written corroboration of the reason from the professor of the course or from the academic advisor. RCL based upon 1 and 2 will only be granted in the first two semesters for undergraduates and the first semester for graduate students.You must resume a full course of study in the next available term to maintain status.
Medical reasons: You may receive permission to enroll for less than full-time based upon the recommendation of a medical professional for a temporary medical condition.
- You must present a letter from a physician, medical doctor or licensed clinical psychologist recommending that you be allowed to take fewer than the minimum credits required for full-time enrollment.
- This must be done before you withdraw from any course.
- You may be authorized for medical RCL for no more than 12 months (3 terms) per degree level. If the medical condition persists, you should return to your home country.
Final semester before graduation: You must have applied for and received clearance for graduation. You must complete only those credits needed for graduation. If only one course is needed to graduate, that course must be an in-person course. It cannot be an online course. This may occur only once per degree program.