Reduced Course Load

Disability & Access Services (DAS) occasionally recommends a reduced course load as an academic accommodation for a student with a disability. Unlike part-time status, authorization for a reduced course load permits a student to register for a course load that is less than full-time, while still being considered a full-time student. Students authorized for a reduced course load are entitled to all services enjoyed by full-time students, and will be considered to be full-time students for purposes of financial assistance and student accounts.

While students will only be billed for courses in which they are actually enrolled, all other charges will apply. Students authorized for a reduced course load must be registered for a minimum of eight (8) credits and a maximum of eleven (11) credits. Twelve credits is considered by the University to be a full-time courseload.

Application Process

  1. Students seeking the accommodation of a reduced course load must have complied with the accommodation review and approval procedure of Disability & Access Services. Medical documentation of the disabling condition which supports the accommodation of a reduced course load must be provided to Disability & Access Services by the student. If a reduced course load is recommended by Disability & Access Services, then the Dean of the student’s School or College must approve the recommendation. The student will be eligible for a reduced course load only after this process is completed.
  2. Students seeking the accommodation of a reduced course load must notify Disability & Access Services each semester that they intend to utilize the reduced course load accommodation. Such notification must occur during the drop/add period. The Intent to Utilize a Reduced Course Load form is available through Disability & Access Services.
  3. Students seeking the accommodation of a reduced course load must meet with the academic advising staff in their School or College each semester to review academic progress. Compliance with School or College policies and procedures is mandatory.
  4. Most Schools or Colleges have maximum time limits to complete a degree program. Where a student is facing such a time limit due to receipt of a reduced course load accommodation, the student is responsible for formally requesting an extension of that time limit from their School or College.
  5. Students that have been approved for the accommodation of a reduced course load need to understand that there are implications of that status for their student account and their financial assistance. Students are advised to discuss any concerns with Student Accounting Services, the Office of Financial Assistance or the University Service Center.