Reduced Course Load Authorization for F-1 Students - Academic or Medical

Unless otherwise stated, international students at Champlain College must complete 12 credits every semester to be considered "full time" for immigration purposes. Your P/DSO can make exceptions to the full-time requirement in five unique situations:

• Health Problems (psychological or medical): 12 months maximum per degree.
• English Language Difficulty and/or Unfamiliarity with US Teaching Methods: only allowed for students who are in their very first semester in an academic program.
• Improper Level of Study: Student was incorrectly placed in a course that is too difficult and it is too late to change into a less difficult one.
• Last Semester before Graduation: Student expects to graduate at the end of the semester and needs less than a full course-load to complete his/her coursework.
• Part-time Border Commuter Students: Canadian students who commute to each class, have no address in the US, and wish to pursue their studies part-time are eligible for this exception.

If your current situation qualifies you to drop below than full-time enrollment based on one of the five following exceptions, please complete the Champlain College Reduced Course-Load Authorization Form, attach documentation (if necessary), and submit all materials to your P/DSO.

For academic reasons, you are only allowed 1 (one) reduced course load per degree level. For medical reasons, you are allowed 12 months maximum per degree level.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your reduced course load paperwork must be approved by your P/DSO BEFORE you drop below a full-time course load with the Registrar's Office or your SEVIS record will be terminated.