Enrollment

Active F-1 students are not permitted to count online classes toward a full course of study in excess of the regulatory limits stated in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G) and 8 CFR 214.2(m)(9)(v). Students are advised to limit online class enrollment to one online class towards their 8 unit full-time load. All other units counting towards the 8 unit full-time load must be in-person or hybrid with an on-campus component.

Students must enroll in at least 8 units of for-credit courses each spring and fall semester (unless the first term of the program is during the summer term). Audited courses are only approved if the student is taking 8 or more units of for-credit courses, or approved for a reduced course load. Refer to the Registrar’s page for additional information on course enrollment.

There are a few circumstances that permit a reduced course of study, or enrollment in less than 8 units a semester. To request a reduced course load, submit the Reduced Course Load request form to the SLDL Office. A student who drops below a full course of study without the prior approval of the SLDL international advisor will be considered out of status.

Requests for a Reduced Course Load should be submitted to the SLDL Office at least two weeks (10 business days) prior to the add/drop deadline of the semester requested. Students can submit their documents for processing to international@cgu.edu, or schedule an appointment with an SLDL advisor. Below are the approved reasons for an RCL:

Academic Difficulties:  

• Initial difficulty with reading requirements 
• Initial difficulty with the English language 
• Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods 
• Improper course level placement 

Approval of an RCL for academic difficulties are granted once per degree level. Students approved for an RCL for academic difficulties during their first term must begin a full course of study at the next offered term. A reduced course load for academic difficulties must consist of at least 4 semester units enrolled at CGU.

To Complete Course of Study In the Current Term: 

If fewer than 8 units are needed to complete the course of study in your final semester of coursework, an SLDL advisor can approve a reduced course load. 

Illness or Medical Condition: 

Students who receive medical approval to take a reduced course load must provide medical documentation each required semester to an SLDL advisor from a licensed: 

• Medical Doctor 
• Doctor of Osteopathy 
• Clinical Psychologist 

Reduced course loads for medical purposes may be approved for no more than 12 months per degree level. 

Students who are approved for a leave of absence through the Registrar’s Office will have their SEVIS record terminated for early authorized withdrawal. Per travel regulations, students must leave the US within 15 days of the SEVIS record termination.

Students who change their degree level (masters to doctorate; english language to doctorate, etc) must notify the SLDL Office immediately. Students in this case must submit the admission letter or confirmation from the Registrar’s Office, in addition to the Affidavit of Financial Support and financial statements verifying proof of funding.

Students who change their academic program must notify the SLDL Office immediately. Students in this case must submit the admission letter or confirmation from the Registrar’s Office, in addition to the Affidavit of Financial Support and financial statements verifying proof of funding.

If more time is needed to complete your studies than indicated on your SEVIS record/I-20, contact the SLDL Office to request an extension. All requests for an extension must be submitted before the I-20 end date. If your I-20 expires while you are still a student, you will not be maintaining valid F-1 status. 

To request an extension, submit the following documents to the SLDL Office: 

1. Complete the SEVIS Record Extension Form. A signature of approval from your academic advisor and program coordinator is required.
2. Review the Affidavit of Financial Support or cost of attendance calculator to determine the amount of funding required. Financial statements are required to provide evidence that you can afford the cost of attendance for 12 months.
3. Be mindful of CGU’s limits on time to degree and follow any needed steps for university approval. Keep in mind, extensions of your SEVIS record do not apply to extensions for your CGU student status.

Requests for a SEVIS record extension should be submitted to the SLDL Office at least two weeks (10 business days) prior to the SEVIS end date listed on your I-20. Students can submit their documents for processing to international@cgu.edu, or schedule an appointment with an SLDL advisor.