Requesting a Reduced Course Load

This request is for students who will be graduating in the current semester and have less than the required number of credits remaining in their program.

This request is completed in Workday under "International Student Reduced Load Request". Reason: Final Semester.

Please ensure that your remaining courses fulfill the Enrollment Requirements for F-1 Students in their Final Semester.

This request is for students preparing for the qualifying examination and will be taking a 3-credit load reduction to prepare for the exam. Students must enroll in 6 credits prior to requesting this RCL.

This RCL is completed in Workday under "International Student Reduced Load Request". Reason: Qualifying Exam.

This request is for Masters or PhD Students who are completing their coursework in the current semester and will be enrolling in the D999 course the following semester to begin thesis/dissertation status

For example, if you are a student who is completing their final 2 courses (6 credits total) in the Fall 2023 semester, who will then begin their thesis/dissertation and enroll in D-999 in Spring 2024, the RCL form will be submitted at the beginning of the Fall 2023 semester. Students enrolling in D999 are not required to submit the RCL Form.

The deadline to submit an Academic Difficulty RCL Request is 30 days after the semester start date.

This request is for students who are seeking a reduced load due to academic difficulties.

The Academic Difficulty RCL is submitted via the ISSS Student Portal.

Students are permitted to reduce a course load for academic difficulties only for limited reasons:

Academic Difficulty Reduced Course Load Request Types:

• Initial Difficulty with the English Language (first semester only). Student must have demonstrated language based difficulty in understanding course material and the English Language Communication department must evaluate the student’s English proficiency. Poor performance in one course does not necessarily demonstrate difficulty with the English language. Additional English language instruction may be required as a condition of reduced course load.*

• Initial Difficulty with the American Academic system (first semester only). Student must have demonstrated difficulty across all courses. Poor performance in one course does not demonstrate difficulty with the American academic system.*

• Initial difficulties with reading requirements (first semester only). Student must have demonstrated difficulty, despite best efforts, with required reading for courses. Failure to attempt assigned readings does not demonstrate difficulty with reading requirements. Additional English language instruction or tutoring may be required as a condition of reduced course load.*

• Improper course placement (one time only). Student must demonstrate a legitimate reason why s/he is unable to continue in the course despite best efforts. Examples include being placed in a course without the required/recommended prerequisites or academic background. Performing poorly in a course alone is not a legitimate reason for an Academic Difficulty Reduced Course Load Request and the request will not be approved by ISSS.

*Note: Students who transferred from another U.S. institution to Stevens, and who completed one academic term at their previous school are not eligible for an RCL based on initial English language difficulties, difficulties with the American academic system, or difficulties with reading requirements.

Students seeking a Medical Reduced Course Load Request should contact the ISSS Office Directly for next steps.

The Medical RCL Request is submitted in the ISSS Student Portal. An academic advisor signature is not required for a medical reduced course load.  

Medical documentation is required as part of the Medical RCL Request submission. The medical documentation should be a letter from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist on letterhead documenting the illness or medical condition, and recommending that the student be either part-time or not enrolled due to medical circumstances. The letter must be on letterhead and signed. The letter must be from a doctor or licensed psychologist in the United States and in English.

Submission Instructions

Step 1:

Enroll in your required courses for the semester. Students should be enrolled in their required courses by the semester start date. Review the RCL Request Types, and be sure of the request type that best suits your situation

Step 2:

Select Requests located in the Applications section of your Workday homepage.

Step 3:

Select Create Request located in the Actions section.

Step 4:

Enter, Search, or Select All to view and select Request Type: Reduced Load for International Students, then select OK.

Step 5:

Review the available RCL Types and complete the Request Form.

Step 6:

Select the RCL Request Type you are applying for and select Submit.

What's Next:

After your Reduced Course Load Request has been submitted, it will be sent to your academic advisor. Your academic advisor will review your request and your current course enrollment. If your enrollment meets the RCL requirements based on your request, your request will be approved by your Academic Advisor and will be forwarded to the ISSS Team.

If additional information is needed, the request will be sent back to you and you will find it in your Workday Inbox. Students should not change their course schedules after submitting the Reduced Course Load Request.

If adjustments need to be made to schedules after Reduced Course Load Request submission, students should contact their Academic Advisor and [email protected] to discuss the change.

The Academic Difficulty RCL must be submitted for one the above listed eligible reasons. The RCL will be submitted in the ISSS Student Portal. Academic and/or Course Faculty Approval will be required as part of the submission.

Students requesting a reduced course load due to medical reasons should reach out to [email protected] directly to discuss the request. The Medical RCL will be submitted in the ISSS Student Portal.

Once ISSS has approved your Reduced Course Load Request, you will no longer be able to adjust your course schedule for the given term.

A hold titled "RCL Approved" will be placed on your account confirming that ISSS has approved your reduced course load schedule. This hold will not impact your ability to continue with your courses or program. This hold will not impact your ability to pay tuition fees, apply for graduation (Application for Candidacy/Program Completion) with the Office of the Registrar, etc. The hold will remain on your records as an indicator that you are approved to enroll below full-time.

Students who enroll in additional courses and wish to adjust their schedule should indicate in the comment section of their Reduced Course Load Request that they wish to do so. If you need to adjust your course after your Reduced Course Load request has been processed, please contact [email protected] for assistance. If changing your schedule after your RCL has been approved, please note that it is the responsibility of the student to maintain their F-1 Visa as per the enrollment requirements and to confirm with their Academic Advisor that the course change will still allow them to complete their program on time.

Students who have previously been approved for an RCL and now need to enroll in the Practicum Course, will be able to indicate this request on the CPT Request Form. ISSS will override the student's hold to allow for completion of enrollment.