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.

  1. Initial difficulty with the English language or with reading requirements
  2. Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods (not with an individual professor)
  3. 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

The following instructions deal with immigration procedures only and should not be interpreted as Dominican University policies pertaining to a medical leave of absence.

F-1 students can take a medical leave of absence (LOA) from school for up to 12 months per degree level. To do so, they must:

  1. Submit a doctor's letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS): Obtain an official letter on letterhead from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist recommending the leave for a specific semester. Letter must state exactly the recommendation of the medical provider, such as the student should withdraw from all classes; the student should be authorized for a reduced course load, etc.
  2. Get approval: Get prior approval from the Office of International Students and Scholars and their academic department
  3. Student must attend all classes until the medical leave has been approved and entered into SEVIS.
  4. DSO will authorize reduced course load in the student’s SEVIS record.
  5. Withdraw from classes, if approved by all parties concerned.
  6. Reauthorize leave: Reauthorize leave every semester with a new medical letter
  7. Not work: Do not work while on medical leave
  8. Notify OISS: Notify OISS before leaving the U.S. if planning to do so.  Students can remain in the U.S. or return to their home country while on a medical LOA. If they remain in the U.S., they can keep their F-1/J-1 record active. However, students who remain in the U.S. without prior approval from OISS will be considered out of status. 
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.