Reduced course load requests for SP25 are now open and will be processed in the order in which they are received. This will not impact your ability to register for SP2025 during the course request period or add/drop period.
Most undergraduate students at Rice will maintain a course load of 12 to 18 credit hours per semester during their time on campus. A student is considered to have full-time enrollment status when they are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. However, sometimes circumstances warrant going below 12 credit hours (a reduced course load, which gives a student part-time enrollment status). The Office of Academic Advising handles approval of reduced course load requests for undergraduate students. Undergraduate students planning to register for a reduced course load should complete the Reduced Course Load Request Form indicating:
- the list of courses you wish to take,
- the total credit hours this represents,
- a clearly outlined plan indicating how this reduced load will not delay graduation,
- and the specific reasons for making the request.
If you plan to drop a course at any point in the semester that will result in a status below full-time, you will need to complete the reduced course load form. Please allow 24-48 hours for processing.
Please note that if you are an international student, a music major, an athlete (including managers, trainers, and practice team players), or on financial aid, we recommend that you consult with related offices prior to submitting your reduced course load request, as your request may require additional approval.
Immigration dictates that an F-1 student can only maintain status if they are continuing to make progress toward their degree. Once they meet degree requirements, they are no longer able to make progress toward meeting them, and therefore no longer able to maintain F-1 status.
If you plan to live on campus, please note that there is a six credit hour minimum, and any exemptions to this requirement must be approved by your College Magister. If you register for or drop below six credit hours, you may be required to move off campus.
Tuition adjustments are granted when requests for part-time enrollment are received and approved prior to the end of the second week of classes (for Spring 2025, 5:00 pm on Friday January 24, 2025). There are no refunds for part-time enrollment requests submitted after this date, and the Office of Academic Advising is unable to retroactively date requests for purposes of tuition reimbursement, so please plan accordingly.
If students have any questions about part-time status requests, please email aadv@rice.edu.