Academic Advisor Approval is Required For: 

•   More than 18 credits (full term)

•   More than 9 credits (half term)

Overload

Permission to carry more than 18 credits in a full term or 9 credits in a half-term should be based on an evaluation of the individual student.  An overload should not be permitted in instances where a student would like to reserve space in a set of classes and later drop one of them.  The following factors should be considered when evaluating an overload: 

•    Number of credits and combination of proposed courses;

•    Student's previous overall performance;

•    Student's future goals;

•    Other demands on the student's time (e.g., family, employment).

A load of more than 18 credits should be treated as exceptional.  Members of the Academic Standards Board generally have denied requests when the student's GPA is less than 3.0.  When in doubt, academic advisors are urged to consult with a Board member.  A load of more than 18 credits should be treated as exceptional.  The election of more than 18 credits is not considered sufficient reason for a drop after the 9th week of the term. 

The University assesses full program fees for schedules of 12 to 18 credits in the full-term and 6-9 in the half-term. Additional tuition is charged for each credit over 18 in the full-term and 9 in the half-term. 

Half Term:  More than 9 Credits

The maximum advisable load is 8-9 credits, depending on the type of courses.  Academic advisors should use the same criteria for overloads as are used in a full term before approving elections of more than 9 credits. 

Two considerations are important in planning half term elections: (1) type of courses to be elected, and (2) outside commitments (e.g., work). 

Except for an academically strong student, certain combinations of courses are not encouraged in a half term due to the rapid pace: 

•      Two science courses

•      More than one elementary language course

•      More than one math course

Note:  Students with a fulltime job should not elect more than one course.  To assist a student with half term elections, the academic advisor should correlate the demands of the proposed courses with the student's academic strengths and weaknesses. 

Procedures

When approving an overload, the academic advisor should sign the Election Worksheet and indicate the total number of credits approved.  The student should then be referred to the Academic Advising Center (1255 Angell Hall) for the overload stamp.  The registration must then be processed manually at a Registrar Student Service Area (G155 Angell Hall or 1212 Pierpont Commons)

Underload

The College expects students to progress normally toward a degree as full-time students.  However, there are some students whose circumstances require fewer than 12 credits and an extended number of terms in which to complete the degree.  For example, students employed full-time are discouraged from electing more than two courses in a full term.  No advisor approval is needed for electing an underload.

Financial Aid Issues

Students receiving financial aid should consult with a financial aid advisor before electing an underload.  Most aid programs require a minimum of 12 credits in the full term.