Enrolling in Fewer than 13 Units

The College of Letters & Science normally requires that students take a minimum of 13 units each semester, however, the College routinely allows reduced course loads below the minimum under the following circumstances:

Due to paid employment (minimum 15 hours worked per week)

minimum units required are prorated to the hours worked
Working students should complete the Work Verification Form and deliver it to the receptionist in 113 Campbell Hall.

With a recommendation from the Disabled Students Program

minimum units required are based on the DSP recommendation
Participating students should request a recommendation letter from your DSP counselor.

Due to parenthood

minimum 8 units
Parents seeking a reduced course load should summarize their situation in writing and see the receptionist in 113 Campbell Hall.

For graduating seniors

minimum one course
Graduating seniors can request a reduced course load at the reception desk in 113 Campbell Hall; confirmation of candidacy in the computer system is required.

For students completing senior honor's courses

minimum 8 units
Students seeking a reduced course load while taking the senior honor's course(s) must confirm this fact (confirmation being enrollment in an honor's course).

On a case-by-case basis, the College also considers reduced course loads:

For valid medical reasons

minimum units depend on the effect of the illness on studies
Students seeking a reduced course load for medical reasons must provide a Verification of Illness form from the University Health Service or a letter from a personal physician. Enroll in, or be prepared to enroll in 13 units, while you are making this appeal. If a College Adviser denies your request for a reduced course load you may appeal in writing.

For valid family reasons

minimum units determined by situation
Students seeking a reduced course load for family reasons should document their situation through another family member (a parent, grandparent, or other relative, etc.) and see a College Adviser. Enroll in, or be prepared to enroll in 13 units, while you are making this appeal. If a College Adviser denies your request for a reduced course load you may appeal in writing.

For "other reasons"

minimum units determined by situation
Students seeking a reduced course load for other reasons should provide any documentation that can support their request and must see a College Adviser. Enroll in, or be prepared to enroll in 13 units, while you are making this appeal. If a College Adviser denies your request for a reduced course load you may appeal in writing.

All of the preceding appeals can be made prior to, or within, the first five weeks of any fall or spring semester.

College advisers will be reviewing and processing requests for reduced class schedules at room 113 Campbell Hall.

College approval of a reduced course load reflects only an assessment of academic appropriateness, students may want or need to consult with other interested parties (such as Financial Aid or International Student Advisers, etc.) as necessary before completing the approval process.

This page was last updated on Thursday, August 24, 2006
Academic advising questions to kpasalns@berkeley.edu
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