International Student & Scholar Services
Contact Information
Oluwatoyin Awoderu
Director
International Student & Scholar Services
406
(860) 832-2054
ISSS@ccsu.edu
Maritza Liu
International Student Advisor
International Student & Scholar Services
406
(860) 832-2054
ISSS@ccsu.edu

ISSS Advising Services

Reduced Course Load

Students on F-1 status are required to take full-time course load in order to maintain their status (12 credits for undergraduates, 9 credits for graduate students). There are three (3) exceptions to the rule:

  • Students having academic difficulties
  • Students in last semester of study
  • Students experiencing illness or medical conditions

Special permission is required prior to changing from full-time status to part-time status; you must notify and submit the required documents to the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the Registrar’s Office. Once approved, a new Form I-20 will be issued to you authorizing reduced course load.

Reason for Reduced Course Load

  • Per immigration regulations academic difficulties are specified as:
    • Initial difficulties with the English language
    • Initial difficulties with reading requirements
    • Unfamiliarity with American teaching methods
    • Improper course level placement
  • Submit Reduced Course Load form along with to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

Note: Reduced Course Load due to academic difficulty can only be authorized once, and for only a semester.

  • F-1 students can attend school part-time in their last semester of study.
  • Submit Reduced Course Load Form along with to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

If you have an illness or medical condition that prevents you from enrolling as a full-time student, you must:

  • Submit a signed letter from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist.
  • Letter must be printed on official letterhead and briefly explain the medical reason why you are not able to attend class or can only attend part-time.
  • Submit Reduced Course Load form along with to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

Note: Reduced Course Load for medical conditions may be approved for no more than 12 months in total during your academic program.