Reduced Course Load Form

A student with F-1 or J-1 student status may not reduce their course load (RCL) below full-time without prior permission from their Immigration & Advising Coordinator. 

In cases where an RCL is allowed, a Reduced Course Load Form must be completed, submitted and approved to the Immigration & Advising Coordinator prior to dropping any courses in order to properly document the reduction in the student’s immigration file.

The reduced course load may be taken only for the following reasons and typically only for one semester during each education level, per immigration regulations

  • Difficulties with the English language
  • Improper course-level placement
  • Lack of familiarity with U.S. teaching methods or difficulty with reading requirements
  • A serious medical condition documented in writing by a licensed doctor (Medical leaves of absence can only be approved for a maximum of 12 months aggregate)
  • During the last semester of study if fewer credits are required for completion of the academic program
  • During the last semester for a graduate student who is preparing for comprehensive exams or completing a thesis
  • Documentation supporting your request must be submitted to the Immigration Advisor and approved prior to dropping any courses. Failure to submit this documentation on time will be considered a violation of your immigration status and will be reported to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
International Engagement

Reduced Course Load Form

If you choose Illness or medical condition a letter explaining the condition and an explicit recommendation from the U.S. licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist on their official letterhead must be provided as supporting documentation.
If you selected Illness or Medical condition a letter explaining the condition and an explicit recommendation from the U.S. licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist on their official letterhead must be provided as supporting documentation.
One file only.
768 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png.
Please upload an email or letter from your academic advisor that they are award that you are dropping their course. 
One file only.
768 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png.