Reduced Course Load Authorization

The International Student Advisor may authorize a reduced course load only in specific circumstances for F-1 students. You must obtain PRIOR authorization in order to maintain your status if you take less than 12 credit hours. A reduced course load must consist of at least 6 credit hours, unless otherwise noted.

• Academic Difficulties: The International Student Advisor may authorize a reduced course load on account of a student's initial difficulty with the English language or reading requirements, unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods, or improper course placement. This option is only available once during the program level.
  
  
• Medical Conditions: The International Student Advisor may authorize a reduced course load (or, if necessary, no course load) due to a student's temporary illness or medical condition. The student must provide medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist to the International Student Advisor to substantiate the illness or medical condition. A student previously authorized to drop below a full course of study due to illness or medical condition for a total of 12 months may not be authorized to reduce his or her course load on subsequent occasions at the same program level.
  
  
• Completion of Course of Study (Graduation): The International Student Advisor may authorize a reduced course load in the student's final term, semester, or session if fewer courses are needed to complete the course of study.
  

Please see the International Student Advisor BEFORE you withdraw from any class that would drop you below full-time status. Full-time status in a college major is 12 -18 credit hours. It is your responsibility to maintain your F-1 status!