Full-time Enrollment
Complying with federal immigration regulations, SUNY Maritime College requires international students to enroll in a full course of study each semester.
- As an undergraduate student you must be registered for and complete 12 credits each semester
- As a graduate student you must be registered for and complete 9 credits each semester
Failure to enroll in a full course load without authorization will violate your student status and terminate your record.
There are few exceptions to the full-time course of study rule. The following are circumstances to which you may be authorized to reduce your course load by International Student Services: academic difficulty, medical condition, completion of study.
You must follow the proper procedures by completing the required form with your academic advisor Reduced Course Load Authorization Form and returning the paperwork to International Student Services for authorization. You may NOT under any circumstance drop below the full-time course requirement without approval from International Student Services. Without prior permission, you will have violated federal regulations governing F-1 students and will be considered out of status.
For more details regarding exceptions to the full-time enrollment rule click here.
Distance Education (On-line Course Work)
In addition to complying with the full course of study rule, as an international student you must also follow the guidelines for enrolling in on-line or distance education courses. To maintain your F1 student status, you may not take more than the equivalent of one class (3 credits) per semester toward the full course of study requirement.
