Courseload

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College students are limited to 5.5 credit units (c.u.) per semester. Students can raise these limits with permission from their pre-major advisor or the College Office. This generally requires evidence of good performance (a g.p.a. of 3.3 or better) in five courses and no outstanding Incompletes.

Students should always speak with an academic advisor before any action is taken that would cause the student to earn less than 4 c.u. in a given term.

First Semester Credit Limit

First semester freshmen are limited to 4.5 c.u.  Hear more from the Dean of the College >>

Risks of Being Enrolled in Fewer than 4 c.u.

Students should understand that failure to enroll in at least 4 c.u., or dropping or withdrawing below that number of credits, may have adverse effects in a variety of circumstances. The most common concerns are for


Athletes

The NCAA requires that all student athletes complete an average at least 8 c.u. per year; carrying less than a full load may jeopardize athletic eligibility. Dr. Gary Purpura is the College’s athletic eligibility officer.

International Student

The visas that allow most international students to study in the U.S. require carrying a full load of at least 4 c.u. per semester. Any reduction in that number may call their visa status into question. The International Student and Scholar Services Office can provide more information.

Students with Financial Aid

Many aid packages require that the student complete an average of 4 c.u. per semester. Carrying less than this amount may cause the student to lose some or even all of his or her financial aid. Call the Student Financial Services office for more information.
Courseload for Students on Probation

Students placed on probation are required to limit their rosters to 4 or 4.5 c.u. per term.

Full-Time with Three C.U.

In extenuating circumstances, students may elect to take only 3 c.u. Special permission is not needed. Full tuition is charged. However, students considering 3 c.u. should consider carefully the risks of being enrolled in fewer than four courses.

Part-Time Status

College students are expected to be enrolled on a full-time basis. Bills are not normally adjusted when a student takes less than a full load of courses.

Seniors who need fewer than 3 c.u. in their final semester to complete their degree requirements may consider declaring part-time status. Students who are considering part-time status must first meet with their major advisor and then with an assistant dean for advising in the College. These advisors will verify that the student needs only one or two credits to graduate and make the adjustment. Simply registering for one or two courses is NOT sufficient to become part-time; the student must follow the above procedure in order to make the status change official.

Part-time status must be declared before the first day of the term in question. Students are advised to take care of this by the end of the preceding semester (that is, usually by December of the fall semester).

Some students may have special issues related to part-time status:

• Athletes must wait until their previous semester’s grades are posted (normally, in early January) before they can officially declare part-time status.

• Students with financial aid should check with the Student Financial Services office, since changing their enrollment status may change their aid status.

• International students should be aware that their visa requires them to maintain full-time status. International students with questions about exceptions to this rule are advised to speak with a staff member at the International Student and Scholar Services office.