Full-time Reduced Course Load

When a student’s permanent disability affects the number of courses a student is capable of completing in a semester (e.g., 40% course load rather than 60% course load), a student can pursue the accommodation of a full-time reduced course load.

How do I reduce my course load?

• Course load will be one of the considerations during your initial accommodation assessment, included in both the self-assessment and the professional verification.
• If you are enrolled and are having problems keeping up, you should contact Accessibility Services to set up an appointment to discuss course load. (ASD Appointment Request Form)
• During the appointment, identify the specific concerns or problems you are experiencing. Accessibility Services will discuss possible solutions with you; This may be in the form of a reduced course load or additional supports.
• If the reduction of course load appears to be the most viable option, Accessibility Services will discuss with your SFA (if required), the requirements as well as any potential implications for academic standing or funding eligibility.
  • Most provincial student loan programs will allow a student with a permanent disability to apply for a reduced full-time course load of 40%.
  • We recommend that students discuss this process with their Student Financial Aid Advisor to receive information relating to their funding source and reduced course loads.
• Students must obtain and submit medical verification, indicating that they will need to continue with a full-time reduced (40%) course load.
  • When the appropriate documentation has been submitted to Accessibility Services, We will recommend that Athabasca University consider you to be a full-time student. Accessibility Services cannot guarantee approval by the University or funding sources.

For further information, see Cautions on Course Load.