Reduced Course Load Policy
Effective:
November 4, 2024
Executive Summary:
The Reduced Course Load Policy is intended to provide additional options to students in terms of the minimum number of credits required per semester under certain narrow circumstances. Such additional options would afford students more flexibility in how and when they complete their degree requirements.
Reason for the Policy:
This policy memorializes the eligibility and criteria for a student’s reduced course load request.
Who Is Responsible for This Policy:
- Responsible Administrator(s): Dean for Academic Planning & Class Advising
- Responsible Office(s): Dean of the College, Deans’ Office for Advising & Support
Who Is Governed by This Policy:
Barnard students
Definitions (if applicable):
- Reduced Course Load: Approved enrollment in fewer than the typically required minimum of 12 credits per semester. The minimum number of credits for a reduced course load is nine.
- CARDS: Barnard’s Center for Accessibility Resources and Disability Services
Policy Statement:
Graduating seniors who need fewer than 12 credits to complete their degree — and who have already satisfied the College’s academic residency requirement — may be approved to take a minimum of nine credit hours. Because Barnard students are charged a flat rate of tuition per semester, reducing one’s course load to nine credits will not change the tuition owed in the last semester. International students who hold F-1 or J-1 visas must consult with International Student Services in advance to determine eligibility. Students who meet this criteria and are approved to be enrolled in nine credits are still eligible to live in Barnard’s residence halls.
If any student who is not an eligible senior needs to register for fewer than 12 credits for disability-related reasons, they should reach out to CARDS to discuss the reduced course load process at cards@barnard.edu.
Procedure:
For graduating seniors: Review the eligibility requirements and submit the Request to Take Below 12 Credits form.
For disability-related circumstances: Registration with CARDS, appropriate documentation, and approval for a reduced course load as a disability-related accommodation in a particular term is required. Contact CARDS for more information.
*Please note that a student can receive Barnard aid for a maximum of eight semesters. Each semester a student is enrolled is counted toward the eight semesters of eligibility regardless of whether aid was actually received. This includes transfer students who may have completed previous semesters of coursework at other institutions.
Failure to Comply With This Policy (if applicable):
Students who enroll in a minimum number of credits without an approved reduced course load may be administratively placed on a leave of absence per the College’s Enrollment Confirmation process. The Enrollment Confirmation deadline is typically the second Friday after the start of classes of the fall and spring semesters.
Related Policies and Documents:
Website for This Policy:
Revision History:
Temporary Revision September 19, 2024
Justification for Temporary Policy: To ensure the policy, with minor clarifying revisions, is in place for the 2024-2025 academic year based on review during the summer of 2024.