Reduced Course Load

Overview

Students who are approved for a reduced course load are entitled to many of the rights, privileges, benefits, and responsibilities of a full-time student at RIC for various programs and services including:

• Verification of full-time registration status for health insurance purposes,
• Eligibility for on-campus housing,
• Eligibility for academic honors (e.g. Dean’s list),
• and Eligibility for some institutional aid.

Please note, however, that RIC cannot modify requirements for external agencies and financial aid may be affected. Students are encouraged to confirm their status and total impact to their aid package with the Office of Financial Aid before registering for fewer than 12 credits or withdrawing or dropping from courses that will reduce their number of registered credits each semester. 

Procedure

Students who are permanently approved for this accommodation do not need to reapply for the reduced course load accommodation every semester, but should notify the Center for Disability Access (CDA) if they encounter a full-time status requirement in a new area that is posing a barrier. 

Student Responsibilities

• Specify to the CDA which College opportunities are limited by part-time enrollment and notify the CDA if you encounter a full-time status requirement in a new area that poses a barrier.
• Consult with the Office of Financial Aid before registering for fewer than 12 credits or withdrawing or dropping from courses that will reduce your number of registered credits each semester.
• Consult with academic advisor(s) regarding possible impacts to degree program and develop an adjusted timeline to meet degree requirements.
• If a reduced course load is not viable for a particular academic program or if it is not possible to modify eligibility requirements tied to course load, work with the CDA to identify possible alternative accommodations.

CDA Responsibilities

• At the time of approval and with any subsequent notice from the student, the CDA will communicate a student’s reduced course load accommodation to relevant offices, including the Office of Financial Aid.
• If, in the event that a reduced course load presents a fundamental alteration to a program or service, the CDA will work with students to determine if there are alternative accommodations available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Reduced Course Load Affect My Financial Aid?

Yes, in some instances enrolling in fewer than 12 credits can impact financial aid because of the aid program’s time-limits to degree-completion.  Rhode Island College cannot waive or modify the requirements for external agencies or programs, including federal financial aid.  Exception criteria may exist for external aid programs.  Where appropriate and with student consent, the CDA can provide verification of eligibility, if required by the external aid program.  Students are encouraged to confirm their status and total impact to their aid package with the Office of Financial Aid before registering for fewer than 12 credits or withdrawing or dropping from courses that will reduce their number of registered credits each semester.

Can I Still be Eligible for the HOPE Scholarship?

Yes!  The legislation affirms that a student with a disability shall be afforded reasonable accommodations as necessary to provide students with an equal opportunity to benefit from the Hope Scholarship.  Students who are approved for a reduced course load as a disability-related accommodation may be considered as a full-time student for the purposes of eligibility for the Hope Scholarship.  However, students must meet all other relevant eligibility criteria.  For more information, see the Hope Policy Manual.

I am a Student Athlete. Can I Request a Reduced Course Load and Still be Eligible to Play?

Maybe. Under NCAA rules, student-athletes are required to be full-time and matriculating. Any deviation from this policy must be appealed to the RIC Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Intramurals, and Recreation.

How Will a Reduced Course Load Affect My Academic Program?

Reduced course load will impact your time-to-degree and enrollment plan.  There may be degree programs where a reduced course load is not viable if, for example, a particular program of study requires that courses be taken concurrently.  Students should discuss possible impact with their academic advisor and consult with the CDA if additional accommodations are needed in lieu of a reduced course load.