Reduced Course Load Request
Federal regulations require all international students to be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per academic term. An international student may be allowed to take less than 12 credit hours if pre-approved by the international student advisor. This can be done only once per academic level of study.
It is the student’s responsibility to adhere to U.S. Government laws and regulations and Hawkeye Community College policies. It is the student's responsibility to maintain their status.
Reduced Course Due To...
International students may be able to reduce their course load if they meet any of the following conditions:
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Reduced Course Load Due to Initial Academic Difficulty: An international student may be qualified for reduced course load due to initial academic difficulty ONLY during the FIRST SEMESTER of classes. This may include initial difficulties with the English language, reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods.
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Reduced Course Load Due to Improper Course Level Placement: An international student who is not academically successful given lack of sufficient background information or not having taken a prerequisite course may qualify for a reduced course load due to improper course placement. Such request can be granted ONLY ONCE per degree program.
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Reduced Course Load Due to a Medical Condition: An international student may qualify for the reduced course load due to a medical condition by presenting medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist. Reduced course load due to a medical condition cannot exceed 12 months in total.
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Reduced Course Load Due to Final Term: In the final term of the program if a student needs fewer credit hours to complete the degree program, reduced course load due to final term may be authorized.
Application Deadline
An international student must apply by the last day to drop courses without academic impact. See the Academic Calendar.
Minimum Enrollment
The minimum enrollment should never drop below 6 credit hours per term.
Summer Session Enrollment: International students are not required to have a full time status during summer vacation. If an international student chooses to take classes during summer vacation, there would be no restriction on the minimum number of credit hours.