As an F-1 or J-1 international student, you are required to be enrolled in classes full-time. Full-time enrollment at Pomona is a minimum of 3 credits per academic semester.
However, you may be in your last semester and all you need is less than 3 credits to complete your program. There may also be unanticipated, temporary medical circumstances that prevent you from enrolling in a full course of study.
Depending on your circumstances, your designated school official (DSO) may be able to authorize you for a reduced course load (RCL) so that you can temporarily study part-time.
Types of Reduced Course Load
You may request a reduced course load for the following reasons.
Types of Reduced Course Load Reasons
Completing program requirements during your final semester
If you are in your final semester and need less than 3 credits to complete your degree, you can request a reduced course load so that you don’t need to take extra courses beyond the one(s) you need to graduate.
Your last course(s) in your final semester cannot be an online class. If your only remaining course is your thesis and your thesis course does not require in-person classroom attendance, you must take at least one other in-person course.
Important Note about Housing Policy: Pomona policy requires students to be enrolled in a full load of courses to live on campus.
Temporary, unexpected medical condition
If you have a temporary illness or medical condition, you may be eligible for a medical reduced course load.
As proof of your illness or condition, you must provide medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, psychiatrist, doctor of osteopathy, psychologist, or clinical psychologist who has been treating you. The documentation must also include the dates of your recommended reduction.
A medical RCL is authorized for a semester, either at the beginning or in the middle of the semester, until the end of the semester. If your medical situation continues beyond the semester, you must provide updated medical documentation detailing the need for new authorization. If your medical situation is preventing you from attending classes, you are expected to take a leave of absence and depart from the United States.
If your situation does not fall under one of these categories but you want to explore taking a break from your studies, see Leave of Absence.
How to Request a Reduced Course Load
To request a reduced course load, submit the following documentation.
- Medical Conditions: RCL Medical Form
- For this RCL, students must meet with the Dean of Student’s Office in addition to the ISSS Office.
- Completing Requirements in Last Semester: RCL Request Form for Academic Reasons
- For this RCL, students must consult with their faculty advisor first before requesting the reduced course load from ISSS.
Important: You must not drop any of your classes before receiving authorization from the ISSS Office. Dropping classes before you receive authorization will be a violation of your status and may lead to serious consequences.
FAQs
Can I drop a class if I am about to fail?
If you would still be enrolled in 3 credits after dropping the class, there would be no effect on your immigration status.
If you would go below 3 credits after dropping the course, then you would be in violation of your status and your SEVIS record would need to be terminated. You should speak with your DSO before dropping a course in this situation.
What if I fail a class?
Failing classes is an academic matter that is addressed by the Dean of Students. If you are permitted to continue to enroll in classes at Pomona, failing a class will not impact your F-1 status.
If your academic performance results in you being suspended or even withdrawn from school, then your SEVIS record will need to be terminated.
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