Reduced Course Load Policy
We know your academic and personal success is a part of your overall well-being, and we aim to provide options that support you as an overall person.
There may be a time in your Babson education where you need to take a reduced course load. The College provides temporary options depending on the reason and need for the reduced course load.
Reduced Course Load - Fewer than 12 credits
Normal progression through the curriculum is defined as 16 credits per Fall and Spring semester. It may be appropriate for students to deviate from a full course load in certain circumstances. Requests may require supporting documentation and additional approvals depending on timing and student status.
Enrollment Changes Prior to the Add/Drop Deadline
Students may adjust their enrollment during the published add/drop period, including reducing their course load below full-time status (12 credits), without submitting a Reduced Course Load Request.
Students considering a reduction in enrollment below 12 credits are strongly encouraged to consult with their Student Success Advisor to understand the academic implications of their decision. Depending on their circumstances, students should also consult Student Financial Services, Residence Life, International Student & Scholar Services (for international students), and other applicable campus offices.
Enrollment Changes After the Add/Drop Deadline
Students who wish to reduce their enrollment below 12 credits after the add/drop deadline must request approval for a reduced course load. Requests will be considered only under eligible circumstances outlined by the policy and may require supporting documentation.
Students must email studentadvising@babson.edu to begin the request process. The review can take up to two weeks.
Eligibility, Criteria, Review Process, and Appeals
Students who wish to amend their enrollment to fewer than 12 credits in a Fall or Spring semester must request approval for a reduced course load in one of the following circumstances:
- A documented disability necessitates enrollment in less than a full course load
- A documented medical condition necessitates enrollment in less than a full course load
- Consistent with applicable leave policies, a student requires a reduced course load:
- To care for a child within one year of birth, adoption, or the initiation of foster care; and/or
- To care for a child, spouse, partner, or parent with a serious health condition.
- Significant personal circumstances, such as family or work obligations, that substantially affect a student's ability to maintain a full course load
Requests Submitted After the Withdraw Deadline: Requests submitted after the published withdrawal deadline will be considered only when supported by documentation demonstrating exceptional circumstances that arose or worsened after the deadline or prevented the student from withdrawing from a course by the deadline.
Review Committee: Requests will be evaluated by the Reduced Courseload Committee that may include representatives from:
- Academic Affairs
- Accessibility Services
- Babson CARES
- Student Advising & Success
- Student Financial Services
- Counseling & Psychological Services, Health Services, and/or Wellness & Prevention (when applicable)
- International Student & Scholar Services (for international students, when applicable)
The Committee may consult other campus offices as needed to assess the request and its implications.
Implications of a Reduced Course Load: Before requesting a reduced course load, students should understand the potential impact on their academic progression and student status.
International Students
Students in F-1 or J-1 immigration status are generally required to maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits each semester to comply with federal immigration regulations. Limited exceptions may apply, including a student's final semester if fewer credits are needed to complete degree requirements.
International students must consult with an International Student Advisor in the Glavin Office of International Education before applying to reduce their enrollment below 12 credits.
Financial Aid
A reduced course load may affect eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs. Students are responsible for consulting Student Financial Services prior to reducing their course load to understand any impact on aid eligibility, satisfactory academic progress requirements, or future funding.
Billing and Tuition
- Students enrolled in 12 credits will be charged at the per-credit tuition rate.
- Students enrolled in more than 12 credits and up to 18 credits will be charged the flat-rate tuition amount.
Students should consult Student Financial Services for the most current tuition and fee information.
Housing and Other Campus Services
Students residing in campus housing should be aware that a reduced course load may affect eligibility for housing, student employment, health insurance requirements, athletic participation, and other campus services. Students are encouraged to consult the appropriate campus offices before applying to reduce their enrollment.
Appeals
Students may appeal a denial of a Course Load Adjustment Request.
Grounds for Appeal: Appeals will be considered only when one or more of the following conditions exist:
- New information or documentation that was unavailable during the original review
- A procedural error that materially affected the outcome of the decision
- Evidence that the policy was applied inconsistently
Disagreement with the decision alone is not sufficient grounds for appeal.
Appeal Process:
- Submit a written appeal via email within ten business days of receiving the decision to Dr. Ryan Travia, Associate Vice President of Student Success.
- Include a detailed explanation of the basis for the appeal and any supporting documentation
The outcome of the appeal will be communicated in writing and will be considered final.
Reduced Courseload - Enrollment Between 12 and 15 Credits
Students who wish to take fewer than the standard 16-credit load but remain enrolled in at least 12 credits are not required to submit a Course Load Adjustment Request Form. However, students are strongly encouraged to discuss the academic implications of this decision with their Student Success Advisor.
