Academic Load

The term academic load means the number of credit hours that you will take in a semester. This number varies for everyone depending on your personal circumstances and also taking into consideration the program you are taking.

In general, the average full-time academic load falls between 15-17 credits. However, the minimum full-time load is 12 credits and the normal maximum full-time load is 18 credits; 12 credits for summer (excluding College Success Skills [SDV 100]). Students wishing to carry an academic load of more than 18 credits (12 credits for summer) should have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and must have the approval of the Vice President for Academic Workforce Programs or designee.

If the student does not have a 3.0 academic average, the credits in excess of maximum credit hours allowed must fall in one of the following categories:

• Developmental studies,
• 198 and 199 type courses,
• Activity type courses, e.g., chorus, drama, physical education, etc.,
• Courses needed to graduate during the semester immediately preceding graduation, or
• Special elective courses taught on a one-time basis.

In order to fully document the overload, the reason for the overload must be noted on the enrollment form and be approved by the faculty advisor and the Vice for Academic and Workforce Programs. Students placed on academic warning or academic probation may be required to take less than the normal course load.