{"id":49,"date":"2016-06-08T14:09:20","date_gmt":"2016-06-08T19:09:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/international-student-immigration\/?page_id=49"},"modified":"2024-10-04T09:54:20","modified_gmt":"2024-10-04T14:54:20","slug":"reduced-course-load","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/international-student-immigration\/reduced-course-load\/","title":{"rendered":"Reduced Course Load"},"content":{"rendered":"

A student may request a reduced course load (RCL) if they meet the criteria outlined by immigration regulations. An approved RCL allows an F-1 student to keep their legal status while registering for less than 3 credits in a semester. Acceptable reasons are listed below. A request must be supported by a student\u2019s academic adviser and pre-approved by the PDSO before it takes effect. <\/span>Dropping below a full course of study without prior approval from the PDSO results in a loss of legal status and the loss of on and off-campus employment eligibility.<\/b><\/p>\n

Steps for Requesting a Reduced Course Load<\/b><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Discuss your situation with your academic adviser BEFORE submitting an RCL request. Your academic adviser cannot approve your request before having this discussion. Failure to contact your adviser may cause serious delays in processing your request. A student may request an RCL only <\/span>one time<\/b> per semester.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Download the <\/span>RCL request form<\/span><\/a>, fill it out, and have your academic advisor sign it. If your advisor has questions about the RCL or the Form, they are welcome to contact Caitlin Lamont Kreienkamp<\/a><\/span>, PDSO.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Bring the RCL form signed by your academic advisor to the PDSO. Based on your advisor\u2019s recommendation, the PDSO will either approve or deny your request.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Note:<\/b> If you choose reason #3 (Medical Reason), a recommendation from your academic adviser is <\/span>not required<\/span>. Instead, complete the RCL form and bring a supporting letter from a <\/span>licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist<\/b>. If the letter is acceptable, the PDSO will approve your request.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a04. Once your RCL request is approved by the PDSO and (except for Medical reasons) your academic advisor, you may change your registration. If your request is approved after the drop\/add deadline, you will additionally be required to submit a petition to the <\/span>Registrar\u2019s Office<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Acceptable Reasons For A Reduced Course Load\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. Final Semester and Less than a Full Course Load is Needed to Complete Student’s Program of Study<\/b>\n