Reduced Course Load
Understand the Full Course of Study Requirements
- Every international student must enroll in a certain number of credit hours to maintain their visa status.
- If your enrollment drops below full-time, the U.S. government will force the OIE to terminate your I-20 or DS-2019.
- Terminated I-20 or DS-2019 = Your stay in the U.S. is illegal. You must leave the country immediately.
- Summer semester enrollment is optional.
Undergraduate Students
- You must take at least 12 credit hours at all times in Spring and Fall semesters
- You must take at least 9 credit hours of face-to-face classes
Graduate Students
- You must take at least 9 credit hours at all times in Spring and Fall semesters
- You must take at least 6 credit hours of face-to-face classes
- If you are awarded a Graduate Assistantship, 6 credit hours is considered full-time. 3 credit hours must be face-to-face
Reduced Course Load
We understand that under certain circumstances, students are not able to meet the Full Course of Study Requirements. In such a situation, the OIE can consider giving you an approval for the Reduced Course Load. Reduced Course Load, or RCL, is an official approval that allows students to take less than their required minimum credit hours. Please see the following categories to see if you are eligible for the Reduced Course Load approval.Final Semester
Who is this for? | How can I request? | What do I need to know? |
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Illness or Medical Condition
Who is this for? | How can I request? | What do I need to know? |
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Academic Difficulties
Who is this for? | How can I request? | What do I need to know? |
Students who are in the first semester experiencing academic difficulties for one of the following reasons;
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Important
- You MUST communicate with the OIE BEFORE you drop below full-time
- While you're on the Reduced Course Load, you might not be eligible for the following:
- Working on and/or off campus
- Receiving scholarships
- Receiving other student benefits in accordance with university policies