Full Course of Study

Both aspects of registration are required to comply with written law: total credit hours/course and face-to-face credit hours/courses.

Registration in summer semester is not required, unless it is the student's first or last semester. For more detailed information, see the Registration Requirements page.

Dropping or Withdrawing from Courses

Because full-time enrollment is required by law, it is STRONGLY recommended that F-1 and J-1 students consult with International Student Services in the Office of International Affairs BEFORE withdrawing from any course. Contact oiaservices@una.edu with questions regarding withdrawing.

There are very limited exceptions to the full-time requirement and they must be authorized by International Affairs in advance. For more detailed information, see the Reduced Course Load (RCL) page and the RCL section on the Registration Requirements page.

First Semester Registration

The Office of International Affairs STRONGLY recommends that students register for in-person courses in their first semester and avoid if possible taking any online courses. Due to the steep learning curve associated with adjustment to a new country, different academic culture and (in many cases) instruction conducted in a second language, many international students struggle in the first semester. In-person courses allow the student more opportunities for the student to advocate for themself, ask questions and express needs.

Cala Flippo, Assistant Director, International Student Services & Success, assists new, on-campus students with the registration process for the first semester. Cala can be reached at cflippo@una.edu or 256-765-6735.

Assisting Struggling Students