Reduced Course Load Accommodation Policy & Procedure

1. Students seeking the accommodation of a reduced course load must notify Disability Services for Students each semester that they intend to utilize the accommodation. Notification must be done prior to the end of the add/drop deadline.  This form is typically filled out when the student picks up their accommodation letters early in the semester.
2. To be eligible for this accommodation, students must remain within 12-13 credits during the semester for which they are approved for this accommodation.
3. If the student is making this request for the first time, then the student must make the request to DSS via verbally or in writing.  This request will go under review and the student notified once the review is complete. 
4. Students must activate this accommodation by filling out a DSS Tuition Waiver Form each semester before the University add/drop period ends. This form is available in the DSS department and must be filled out completely in the office.
5. DSS submits this completed form on behalf of the student to Business Services the week following the add/drop period. Only under special circumstances will the form be accepted after the add/drop period. The circumstance will be reviewed by the Director of DSS.
6. It is highly recommended that students seeking the accommodation of a reduced course load must meet with the academic advising staff in their School or College each semester to review academic progress. Compliance with School or College policies and procedures is mandatory.
7. Some Schools or Colleges may have maximum time limits to complete a degree program. Where a student is facing such a time limit due to receipt of a reduced course load accommodation, the student is responsible for formally requesting an extension of that time limit from their School or College.
8. If the student is an athlete, they are encouraged to their academic advisor in Athletics to discuss how a reduced course load may impact NCAA regulations.
9. The 25% tuition waiver for this accommodation applies to undergraduate students.

10.  It is important to note that students that have been approved for the accommodation of a reduced course load may have implications of that status for their student account and their financial assistance. Students are advised to discuss any concerns with Business Services and/or the Office of Financial Aid.

How to check if the Tuition Waiver has been applied:

1. In Blackboard, select Webcat/Services tab at the top of the screen

2. Click the Webcat access button to continue

3. Select Bill/Account Summary tab

4. Click on View your student account

The credit will appear under the Fall/Spring section “Access Tuition Waiver” for a specified amount (Generally around $1,700.00). The credit carries over the next semester. Always meet with your Financial Aid Advisor and go to Business Services on campus for any questions. 

Please remember it is the responsibility of the student receiving this reasonable accommodation to drop/ withdraw from a course if needed in order to qualify for this accommodation.  Remember: Students must be between 12-13 credits for this accommodation to be activated.

DSS does not have the ability to drop a course for any student at any time.

DSS encourages all students to work with their academic advisor during add/drop period to reduce their course to 12-13 credits, if necessary.

Under special circumstances if it is past the add/drop period, the student receiving this accommodation must submit a petition known as a "Petition for Variance in Academic Policy" to the Academic Dean of their college.  This request would be to withdraw from the fourth course that remains on the student’s schedule thus leaving 12-13 credits on the student’s course load. DSS may be able to provide information to accompany the petition. Petitions are always based on a compelling non-academic reason. DSS never guarantees a petition will pass that they provide information for during the process.

HOW DO I ADD OR DROP A COURSE AFTER THE SEMESTER HAS STARTED?

Degree candidates may drop or add courses until the first day of class using  WEBCAT during normal WEBCAT hours and given dates.

 Once classes begin, all students must use an Add/Drop Form (available by download or at the Registrar's Office, 106 Stoke Hall) to register for classes or to make registration changes.  Undergraduates must have the form signed by instructor/s of the course/s and their advisor.  Graduate students must have instructor/s' signature/s to add or drop courses.  Graduate students do not need an advisor's signature.  Forms must be turned in at the Registration Office by the registration deadlines.

NOTE: 

If you have any unpaid University bills you will not be able to register or make changes.  To see if you have any unpaid University bills go to WEBCAT or Business Services.

Continuing Education students dropping all courses in a single semester must notify the Registrar’s Office in writing (either by post or email) within the published registration deadlines.

NOTE: 

If you have any unpaid University bills you will not be able to register or make changes.  To see if you have any unpaid University bills go to WEBCAT or Business Services.

Continuing Education students dropping all courses in a single semester must notify the Registrar’s Office in writing (either by post or email) within the published registration deadlines.

See the Registration Calendar for specific add/drop dates and tuition refund deadlines.