Reduced Course Load
Students with disabilities may consider taking a "Reduced Course Load" in order to manage their health and the academic demands of Tulane University. As such, students with qualifying disabilities may consider requesting a Reduced Course Load accommodation through the Goldman Center.
- Approvals must occur during the Add/Drop period (the first two weeks of the semester). Requests received after that deadline should be processed through Case Management via the Medical Withdrawal Process (can be partial or full). Documentation must be current, if not specifically written for this request, and clarify why the student is unable to complete 12 or more credit hours in a given semester (in terms of their disability).
- Approvals are for one semester at a time but can be renewed with updated documentation and structured interview (i.e., Access Interview)
- Students receiving financial aid packages should review the terms of their award to determine if there are any consequences for dropping below full-time.
Dropping to below full-time credit hours may impact graduation timelines, financial aid packages, and some health insurance plans. Please take careful consideration of these factors or discuss these concerns with the Goldman Center when pursuing this accommodation.
When to Consider a Reduced Course Load
A reduced course load can have practical and financial implications, regardless of disability-status.
- Consider your financial aid and maintaining eligibility for your specific aid resource. Learn more about maintaining eligibility through the Office of Financial Aid.
- Review your health insurance policy and whether your status as a full-time student is critical in your coverage plan.
- Consider your long-term educational goals. A reduced course load may extend your educational time here at Tulane, since it will not alter your overall credits required to graduate or successfully complete your core curriculum requirements.
Need to request? Submit a new application or request an "Additional Accommodation Request" through your Goldman Center Portal.
Medical Withdrawal Procedures
For times when a student (with or without a registered disability) encounters issues successfully completing a semester due to an unforeseen health episode, a medical withdrawal may be necessary. Medical withdrawals may be partial or full, resulting in a Medical Leave.
This process is managed through Case Management.
Students with approved accommodations through the Goldman Center may still utilize Case Management's services. Because no Goldman Center accommodation is retroactive- and because there are times when a student's situation moves beyond a possible reasonable accommodation- the Goldman Center may refer a student to Case Management as necessary.
