Disability Resources for Students

Reduced Credit Load

The reduced credit load accommodation is approved by DRS when a student’s disability impacts them in attempting the full-time 12 credit load per quarter required by financial aid.

Undergraduate students with disabilities approved for the reduced credit load accommodation may take 11 credits or fewer and still maintain priority consideration for financial aid in following quarters, as well as be eligible for the Dean’s List. Students must be enrolled for a minimum number of credits (6 for undergraduate students and 5 for graduate students), and maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid.

Graduate students should work closely with their DRS Coordinator to determine how a reduced credit load accommodation may apply to their program and financial aid status.

Student Responsibilities

  • Activate accommodation by checking the appropriate box in student myDRS profile per the services timeline OR as soon as possible once approved by the DRS Coordinator.
  • Complete the Complete the Priority Aid Appeal Reduced Credit Load Request form each quarter, 4 weeks prior to the beginning of the quarter. The online form will be processed by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
  • Work collaboratively with a counselor in the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA), and their academic advisor to understand impact of accommodations in three key areas:
    • The overall amount of financial aid a student receives
    • Timeline for degree completion—can petition for extension
    • Eligibility for campus housing—need to also have housing accommodation on file

DRS Responsibilities

  • Provide the student with the Priority Aid Appeal Reduced Credit Load Request form link (below).
  • Ensure the Office of Student Financial Aid has up to date list of qualified DRS students with Reduced Credit Load accommodations.
  • If issues arise with the accommodation, work collaboratively with the student and partner offices/departments.

Resources

For any questions regarding financial aid, contact osfa@uw.edu.

Students will need to complete the form below each quarter they wish to use their Reduced Credit Load accommodation.

Priority Aid Appeal Reduced Credit Load Request

Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA)

(Updated 12/2022)