Reduced Course Load
The following circumstances can be approved for a reduced course load (RCL) by a DSO in the Office of Global Engagement in SEVIS:
•Academic Difficulties: Student’s initial difficulty with the English language, unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods, or improper course level placement. One semester per degree or course of study is allowed for academic difficulties. Students must resume a full-time course load the next semester.
•Medical: A medical RCL allows students to register for 0-11 credit hours and can be granted for no more than 12 months per degree or course of study. Medical RCLs are approved on a semester-by-semester basis. Therefore, students will need to reapply for RCL each semester in which the problem persists. Medical documentation is required to authorize RCL and it must come from a U.S. licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or U.S. licensed clinical psychologist.
•Completion of Study: RCL can be approved if less than full-time enrollment is needed to complete your final semester and graduate. If only one course is required to complete the program or degree that course cannot be an online course.
Requesting RCL
Students must complete the RCL Reduced Course Load Request and have it approved by a DSO in the Office of Global Engagement prior to withdrawing from courses and dropping below full-time.