• Reduced Course Load (RCL)

    Office of International Affairs

  • Full Course Enrollment Requirement

    F-1 students are required to maintain full time student status every semester they are studying in the United States. Undergraduates are expected to complete 12 semester hours and graduates are expected to complete 9 semester hours during Fall and Spring Semesters. Summer classes are optional unless it is your first semester at A&M-San Antonio. If Summer term is your first semester, then you must complete 6 hours (i.e. full time for summer). Complete the form below and return it to the OIA office or email to international.affairs@tamusa.edu to request a Reduced Course Load.

  • There are 3 categories for RCL:

    1. Valid academic difficulties (allowed only in first semester of an entire degree program).
    2. Medical excuse (allowed for a maximum of 1 year during an entire degree program).
    3. Final Semester (allowed only in final semester if fewer courses are needed to complete the academic program. If you fail to graduate, you may need to apply for reinstatement).

  • I am applying for a reduced course load for the   *   Semester   *   . I want to drop   *   class(es) giving me a total of   *   credit hours.

    • RCL 1 

    • RCL for valid academic reasons is allowed only during the first semester of a degree program and requires the student to complete at least 6 hours of course credit for the semester.

      The following are considered Valid Academic Reasons:

      • Initial Adjustment Issues: Fo initial difficulties with the English language or reading requirements or unfamiliarity with American teaching methods.
      • Improper Course Level Placement: For difficulty with my class due to improper course level placement.
    • Dropped Course 1 Professor Information 
    • Dropped Course 2 Professor Information 
    • RCL 2 
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    • Please provide a letter from a medical professional stating the nature of your medical condition, and a recommendation for a reduced course load. Students are only allowed one aggregate year of reduced course load for medical reasons.

    • RCL 3 

    • This is my final semester, and I only need      credit hours of course work to complete my degree program. I understand that my final course to finish my program must be taken face-to-face or hybrid. I understand if I am granted a reduced course load and fail to complete my degree as planned, I will need to apply for reinstatement or risk being in violation of my F-1 immigration status.  

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