Reduced Course Load
Immigration regulations stipulate that F-1 and J-1 international students must be enrolled full-time each fall and spring semester. Summer is an optional term, and enrollment is not required unless it is your final semester. Full-time enrollment is defined as 12 credit units for undergraduates, and 9 credit units for graduates, per semester. There are limited scenarios in which an exception can be granted.
- For the fall semester, we start accepting these requests in iSpartan on July 15th.
- For the spring semester, we start accepting these requests in iSpartan on November 15th.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allow ISSS officials (DSO) to authorize a reduced course load (RCL) exclusively for the reasons listed below.
Please note that DHS do not consider financial difficulties or the unavailability of certain courses as valid reasons for enrolling in less than a full course of study.
RCL requests must be submitted by the ‘Last day to add classes’ deadline for the applicable term to be considered.
If you are currently enrolled full-time for the term, as ISSS Advisor must approve your Reduced Course Load Request before engaging in a reduced course load. A student who drops below full-time enrollment without prior approval from an ISSS Advisor will be considered to be in violation of their immigration status.
| Course Types | Requirements |
|---|---|
| In-person | You are required to meet regularly with a faculty member to complete the course requirements and attend lectures or other in-person interactive activities. |
| Hybrid | You are required to meet both in-person and online. The majority of course work may take place online, but students may be required to complete specific projects, tests, or orientations on the physical campus. This includes courses that require only a one-time meeting with a faculty member. Hybrid courses can be counted toward your F-1 full-time enrollment requirements as in-person courses. |
| Online | You are required to complete all course requirements, lectures, or other activities online. There are no required in-person meetings. A maximum of 1 online course (max of 3-4 units) per semester can be counted towards your F-1 full-time enrollment requirement. However, this does not account for extra units for more than 12 units for undergraduates and 9 units for graduates. |
You must be enrolled in the exact number of units specified on the RCL form and as confirmed by your Department Advisor, or this may result in processing delays.
RCL for Academic Reasons. A student is only allowed one reduced course load for academic reason once per education level.
During your first semester studying in the U.S. and are having difficulty with:
- The English language;
- Reading requirements;
- Adjusting to U.S. teaching methods.
Available during your academic program:
- Improper course level placement.
1. Academic Advisor, Graduate Program Coordinator, Department Chair, or Dean must reveiw your reques for a Academic Reason RCL. You will be required to enter their contact information in the Reduced Course Load (RCL) Request in iSpartan.
2. You must be enrolled in at least 6 units at SJSU (both undergraduate and graduate students). Of these 6 units, only 3 units can be online. Your remaining units must be in-person or hybrid..
RCL for 'To Complete Course of Study in Current Term'. Also known as a final semester
RCL: You will be completing your degree program (graduating) this semester and do not need
to register for a full-time to complete degree requirements.
1. Academic Advisor, Graduate Program Coordinator, Department Chair, or Dean must
review your request for a Final Semester RCL. You will be required to enter their
contact information in the Reduced Course Load (RCL) Request in iSpartan.
RCL for Medical Reasons: Illness or medical conditions preventing you from being enrolled full-time.
1. Academic Advisor, Graduate Program Coordinator, Department Chair, or Dean must
reiview your request for a Medical RCL. You will be required to enter their contact
information in the Reduced Course Load (RCL) Request in iSpartan.
2. A recent letter from a doctor licensed in the United States in one of the specific
categories noted: M.D. (Medical Doctor), D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy), or Licensed
Clinical Psychologist recommending that you take a reduced course load for this semester.
The letter must be on letterhead, have a handwritten signature, and include the following
information:
- Recommendation that the student reduces his/her course load due to medical reasons
or conditions for the specified term;
- If this is a recommendation to not take any courses during the term, this needs to be indicated on the letter.
- State the medical reason or condition that the student is experiencing, which serves as the basis for the medical reduced course load;
- The student’s full name and date of birth;
- Date and specific term/semester the RCL or zero course load is being recommended;
- Signature from a U.S. licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist; with contact information and State License Number.
Additional Exceptions to Full-Time Enrollment:
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