Reduced Course Load

You qualify for this option only if one of the following applies to you:

1. Initial difficulties during the 1st year of your academic program with the English language, reading requirements, or unfamiliarity with American teaching methods.
2. Improper Course-Level Placement- missing prerequisite courses due to no fault of your own or a course is not available due to sequencing. 

Requirements for an Academic Difficulties Reduced Course Load

1. Minimum enrollment of 6 units - if you qualify for Academic Difficulties RCL you must still enroll in at least 6 units.
2. Verification- you will need to provide a letter from your academic advisor to substantiate the reason for the request.

If, due to a serious illness or medical condition, you are unable to be enrolled full-time, (or, if necessary, no course load), you may apply for a Medical RCL. 

Required Documentation: Submit a letter of support from a U.S. doctor. Letter requirements must meet the following:

• Must be from a licensed medical doctor (MD), doctor of osteopathy (OD), licensed clinical psychologist (Ph.D.), or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.);
• Must be on official letterhead, dated, and signed by the doctor;
• Specify the semester(s) you are being recommended for the leave; and
• Include a general medical diagnosis (specifics are not required) with a clear recommendation that due to a medical condition/temporary illness the student take a reduced course load for the applicable term.

• Maximum Duration: Reduced Course Load for a medical condition can be granted for a period of time not to exceed a total of 12 months (365 days) while you are pursuing a course of study at a particular program level.
• Continuing Medical RCL: If your medical condition prevents you from enrolling full-time for multiple terms, you must apply for a new RCL authorization each term with updated documentation.
• Return to Study: you must intend to resume full time study in your program at CSUEB in a future semester.

• A student may apply for Reduced Course Load in his/her final semester if fewer courses (i.e. less than full time) are needed to complete the course of study.
• If approved, he/she must complete his/her study at the end of the particular semester.
• Can only be approved once.

Undergraduate Students

Major Advisor- contact your major advisor to request verification of your remaining requirements be emailed to cie@csueastbay.edu.

GE Advisor- contact advising@csueastbay.edu to request verification of your GE requirements be emailed to cie@csueastbay.edu.

Graduate Students

Major Advisor- contact your major advisor to request verification of your remaining requirements be emailed to cie@csueastbay.edu.

Project/Thesis/Capstone Advisor- only required if you will have 0 units for the term you are applying. You and your capstone project or thesis advisor must complete and sign the Capstone Project/Thesis Verification Form. This form must be submitted along with verification (email or memo) from your major advisor. You are only eligible for this option if you were full time the prior semester.

Graduate and Undergraduate Students Important Information

1. If you are approved for a Reduced Course Load for Final Term then need additional time to complete a requirement (failing a class or extending a project), you will be required to enroll full time the following term.
2. If an F-1 student needs only one course to complete the program of study and the student intends to remain in the US, that course must be in-person or hybrid format. This will allow the student to maintain their visa status and be eligible to apply for work authorizations such as Optional Practical Training opportunities if they choose to do so. If an F-1 student chooses to take online courses during their final semester, that student must do so from outside the US. In this case, a student will no longer be eligible for work authorizations such as Optional Practical Training.