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Policy

The University recognizes that some qualified students with health conditions that fit the definition of a disability may not be able, by reason of those conditions, to successfully manage a full-time course load of a minimum of twelve credits per semester. Considerations involved commonly include the amount of time required by daily living activities, extra time needed for specialized study approaches or difficulty with studying for extended numbers of hours. In order that these students may continue to participate in and benefit from University programs and services, the University may make available an accommodation of full-time equivalency with a reduced course load.

Students who are full-time with a reduced course load by reason of disability are entitled to all of the services, benefits, rights, privileges and responsibilities of full-time status students. The intent of this accommodation is to offer equal opportunity; therefore, services based on the number of credit hours (i.e. financial assistance or scholarships) may be pro-rated. The student should contact Financial Assistance regarding the particular financial impact to the student. This accommodation need not be permitted to any program or activity in which the University demonstrates that a full-time enrollment of twelve credits or more is essential to meet the requirements for the program being pursued by the student or that are directly related to licensing requirements.

Authority

The UW-River Falls Chancellor issues this policy in accordance with the Administrative Policy process.
The VCAF is responsible for the administration of this policy. Request an exception to this policy by writing to administrative-policy@uwrf.edu.

Sanctions and Appeals Process

Failure to adhere to the provisions of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary action as provided under existing procedures applicable to students, faculty, and staff, and/or civil or criminal prosecution.

Procedure

Requests for reduced credit loads are submitted to the Coordinator of Disability Services each semester using a Reduced Credit Load Application. Sufficient documentation must show the need for this accommodation according to the documentation guidelines for the particular type of health condition; for some students’ circumstances, this may require updated clinical information.

1. The Coordinator of Disability Services evaluates the documentation and the student’s request in terms of the impact the health condition can be expected to have upon the demands of the student's current or proposed schedule.
2. The student should have his or her adviser and request an explanation as to how the reduced credit load could impact progress towards graduation and any professional licensing requirements.
3. The student should contact the office of Financial Assistance for consultation as to how the reduced credit load could impact financial aid. Within the limits of federal financial aid regulations, every effort should be made to ensure that the student does not incur additional costs.
4. Now the student should contact the Cashier’s Office or Accounts Receivable to determine the cost of tuition and fees for the reduced credit load.
5. If the student chooses to make use of this accommodation, the Coordinator of Disability Services may send a letter to Financial Aid, Registrar’s Office, Housing, and any other departments as directed by the student, notifying them of the specific number of hours at which the student is full-time.

University Responsibilities

Coordinator of Disability Services

Department/Unit Responsibilities

Chief Diversity Officer

Background

Survey of UW System Registrars

Contact

Please direct questions about this policy to administrative-policy@uwrf.edu.