Course Load Requirements and Restrictions

Minimum and Maximum Credits Per Semester

Students must carry an average of 15 credits during each of their allotted eight semesters unless they have earned Advanced Placement or other credits before they arrive here, or unless they plan on attending a Summer Session. A minimum course load consists of 12 credits per semester and a maximum consists of 17.

NOTE: Students are restricted to 15 credits until the course enrollment process has ended. For spring enrollment in the fall, this happens about two weeks after the opening of ISIS. For fall enrollment in the spring, students must wait until the end of Summer Orientation (early August.)

No more than 24 of the 120 credits required for the degree may be earned on a CR/NC basis (transfer students are subject to slightly different rules; click here for more information). Further, students must have remained in good Academic Standing. Advanced placement, dual enrollment, and transfer credits do not count toward the required credits.

When enrolling for courses, ISIS will not allow students to drop below the minimum once that number of credits is reached for the first time. Audit credits are are not counted against the official add/drop maximum, but are counted by ISIS during course enrollment. Contact Judy Updike, College Registrar, ( ; 434-924-8867) if you wish to add audit credits above your school's maximum.

Failure to carry the minimum of 12 credits for any reason, including illness or other personal circumstances (see below), will result in an Academic Warning for Reduced Course Load; this will be noted on the official transcript.

Exceptions to Minimum and Maximum Credits Per Semester

In the event of illness or unusual personal circumstances students may adjust their schedule to fewer than 12 credits. However, students will still be put on Academic Warning for Reduced Course Load; this will be noted on the official transcript. Association Deans must also approve course loads of greater than 17 credits. Course loads of fewer than 12 or more than 17 credits must be approved by the Association Dean. Requests are made via a written Petition form (for fewer than 12) or Credit Hour Overload form (for over 17), available in Garrett Hall. Students found to be enrolled in more than 17 credits without the permission of the Dean will be removed from the last class(es) added.

Eligibility for Honors

In order to be a candidate for Intermediate Honors, a student must earn 60 credits prior to their fifth semester. No more than 12 of the 60 required credits may be earned on a CR/NC basis. Further, students must have remained in good academic standing. Advanced placement, dual enrollment, and transfer credits do not count toward the required credits.

Eligibility for Financial Aid

For rules on financial aid eligibility consult the Student Financial Services Financial Aid web page.