Reduced Courseload

Based on the nature and functional limitations of their disability, students may be eligible to take less than a full-time courseload while still maintaining full-time status.  Students who may qualify for a reduced courseload with full-time status include:

  • Students with mobility disabilities or those who work with personal assistants;
  • Students following a strict medication or treatment regimen;
  • Students with significant energy limitations;
  • Students with significant processing disorders.
  • The University of Connecticut determines enrollment status based on the number of credits for which a student is registered.  The Office of Student Financial Aid Services explains these requirements on their website: http://financialaid.uconn.edu/enrollment/

The cost of attendance and federal regulations determine the amount of available financial aid packages for students with disabilities taking fewer than 12 credits.  Students should review information regarding financial aid on the Office of Student Financial Aid Services’ website: http://financialaid.uconn.edu/enrollment/, and speak with a financial aid counselor to discuss the implications of a reduced courseload on their specific type of financial aid.

Student Responsibilities

  • Meet with your Disability Service Professional (DSP) at the CSD to discuss the need for a reduced courseload; notify your DSP PRIOR to the start of the semester if you are planning to take fewer than 12 credits.
  • Prior to making a decision regarding an appropriate courseload each semester, speak to a financial aid counselor to discuss the implications of this accommodation: (860) 486-2819 or http://financialaid.uconn.edu.
  • Discuss your accommodations with your Academic Advisor to assist them with course recommendations and planning.
  • Contact Records and Enrollment Services in the Office of the Registrar for verification of enrollment status.
    (860) 486-3331 or http://registrar.uconn.edu/contact-us/

CSD Responsibilities

  • Meet with students to discuss a reduced courseload;
  • Provide verification of students approved for a reduced courseload with full-time status to the following University offices each semester: Registrar’s, Financial Aid, Honors Program, Recreation Services, Veterans Affairs and Military Programs (for Veterans).

FAQ

What if I start the semester with 12 or more credits and then drop below? Will this impact my financial aid?

University policy bases financial aid and scholarships on a fixed enrollment date (the tenth day of classes) each semester.  The tenth day of classes is the last day on which you are able to add/drop via the Student Administration System.  The University calculates the amount of your financial aid awards and/or University scholarships for the semester based on the number of credits for which you are enrolled on that date.

If you drop credits DURING the add/drop period and as a result fall below the enrollment requirements for your awarded financial aid by the fixed enrollment date, you may be required to repay some or all of your financial aid disbursements.

If you drop a class AFTER the tenth day of classes and accept a W for the class on your transcript, neither your billing status nor your financial aid status changes.  Accepting a W on your transcript, however, may prevent you from complying with the Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines for the next academic year. Prior to making a decision regarding an appropriate courseload each semester, you should first speak to a financial aid counselor to discuss the implications: (860) 486-2819 or http://financialaid.uconn.edu.

Will I lose my on-campus housing if I register for less than a full time courseload?

No.  Any enrolled, degree-seeking, resident student with a disability approved for a reduced courseload by the CSD retains their on-campus housing despite their taking less than 12 credits.

Will my parents’ or guardian’s health insurance still cover me if I register for less than 12 credits?

Federal regulations regarding health care coverage of dependents have changed. Please contact your health insurance provider directly for their policies and procedures regarding coverage. Ordinarily, students covered by their parents’ or guardian’s health insurance must provide verification of full-time enrollment.  The CSD does not provide this verification to insurance companies. Rather, students may obtain verification of enrollment from the Office of the Registrar in the Wilbur Cross Building or at http://registrar.uconn.edu/contact-us/.