Enrollment Requirements

A student who wishes to drop below full time must obtain the approval from a DSO in advance, regardless what the reason might be. A student who drops below a full course of study (after the drop-add period) without prior approval of a DSO will be considered out of status. 

NOTE: If approved for reduced course load, you are still eligible for on-campus employment benefits.

How to Apply for a Reduced Course Load

Step 1: Meet with your academic advisor or licensed medical professional physician (DO, MD or licensed clinical psychologist) and request a letter. The letter must be printed on official letterhead and contain contact information of the person who signed the letter.

• Completion of Studies: A letter from your academic advisor confirming that you are expected to complete degree requirements by [date] and specifying the minimum number of credits you need to be enrolled in the final term.
• Academic Difficulties: A letter from your academic advisor recommending a Reduced Course Load on the basis of [insert one of four academic difficulty reasons] and elaborating on the circumstances. The specific course should be mentioned if applicable. The letter must state the semester the RCL is recommended.
• Medical Conditions: A letter from a licensed medical physician, doctor of osteopathy or licensed clinical psychologist recommending a Reduced Course Load on the basis of a medical condition for which you are receiving care. The letter does not need to detail the diagnosis or treatment but must specify whether the recommendation is for part-time study or no study (0 credits). The letter cannot be dated more than 30 days before the start of the term for which the RCL is requested. The letter must state the semester the RCL is recommended.

Step 2: Send the letter together to international.services@millersville.edu with the email subject as "Request for Reduced Course Load". 

Step 3: Complete a Reduced Course Load Request Form on your MyMUGlobal portal under the F-1 Student Services tab. 

Step 4: The IPS office will determine your eligibility for RCL, report your RCL to SEVIS, and may generate a new I-20 for you, if necessary. You will receive an email notification once a determination is made on your RCL request. 

F-1 students may take courses at Millersville University and another college or university during the same term if they receive prior authorization from the Warfel Center for International Programs & Services (IPS).

If you plan to take incidental courses at another institution while still meeting full-time enrollment requirements—or during a winter or summer session—an additional I-20 is not required for concurrent enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

You may apply for concurrent enrollment with another SEVIS-approved institution if all of the following conditions are met:

• Your combined credits from both schools equal a full course load.

• You are enrolled in classes at Millersville University, including at least one credit each term (even in your final semester).

• Millersville University remains your SEVIS sponsor, issues and maintains your I-20, and completes all SEVIS reporting. If you plan to attend another school full-time instead of Millersville, you must request a SEVIS transfer.

• Courses at the other school must be for credit and transferrable to Millersville University—confirmed in writing by your Millersville academic advisor. Audited or non-credit courses will not count toward your enrollment requirements.

Application Process

Concurrent enrollment must be approved for each semester you intend to participate. Follow these steps for every term:

Step 1 – Collect Required Documentation

• A letter from your Millersville academic advisor granting permission for concurrent enrollment, confirming transferability of the credits, and listing the number of credits you will take at each school.

• Proof of enrollment from the other institution, such as a Registrar’s letter, official verification, or an unofficial transcript showing in-progress courses.

Step 2 – Submit Your Request
Email all documentation to international.services@millersville.edu with the subject line: Request for Concurrent Enrollment.

Step 3 – IPS Review & SEVIS Reporting
IPS will review your request, determine eligibility, report your concurrent enrollment in SEVIS, and issue you an updated I-20 listing the name of the other institution in the remarks section. You will receive an email notification once a decision has been made.

F-1 students are expected to finish their degree or program by the program end date listed on their Form I-20. This date is set by the Warfel Center for International Programs & Services to reflect the standard timeframe for completing the requirements of your program.

If you need additional time to complete your studies due to valid academic or medical circumstances, you may request an updated Form I-20 with a new program end date.

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Eligibility for a Program Extension

• To qualify for an extension, you must:
• Have continuously maintained your F-1 status.
• Show that additional time is needed due to compelling academic or medical reasons, such as:
  • A change in major or research topic.
  • Unforeseen research challenges.
  • A documented illness.
• Have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses for the extended period.
• Submit your request with enough time for processing before your current I-20 program end date.

Extensions cannot be approved if the delay is due to:

• Academic probation or suspension.
• Taking extra or repeat courses for personal interest or GPA improvement.
• Conducting research (on or off campus) that is not required for your degree.
• Completing coursework for an incomplete grade.
• Participating in non-required Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

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If Your End Date Has Passed

If your program end date has already expired or you do not meet eligibility requirements, you will need to regain F-1 status by:

• Filing for reinstatement with USCIS (requires a substantial fee), or
• Departing the U.S. and returning with a new initial Form I-20 (note: this resets your one-year eligibility period for CPT and OPT).

Failing to request an extension before your I-20 expires is a violation of F-1 regulations.

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How to Request an Extension

1. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your need for more time.
2. Complete the Program Extension Request Form found on your MyMUGlobal portal.
3. Gather supporting documentation, such as medical records or academic verification.
4. Schedule an appointment with a Designated School Official (DSO) to review your request.

Important: Submit your request at least 1–2 months before your current I-20 expires. If approved, keep your new I-20 along with all previous I-20s, as immigration officers may request them during travel or for future petitions.

Students in multiple degree or major programs must obtain signatures from all relevant academic advisors.

F-1 international students must remain enrolled full-time during each required semester to maintain valid immigration status. If you need to take a required semester off, end your studies unexpectedly, or leave the U.S. due to an emergency, you may request an Authorized Early Withdrawal (AEW).

An AEW allows you to temporarily suspend your F-1 status while you are outside the U.S., making it easier to return to active status later. This request must be submitted before you withdraw from courses and depart the country. Once approved, you have a 15-day grace period to leave the U.S. AEW approval does not negatively affect future immigration status, but it does not cancel any academic or financial obligations you may have.

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Steps to Request AEW

Before Departure

1. Meet with your Academic Advisor and International Student Advisor to discuss your plans.
2. Book your flight to leave the U.S.
3. Email international.services@millersville.edu with the date of withdrawal from program or leave of absence start date. 
   • You will need to submit the proper forms with the Registrar's office to address your academic status. 
4. Upload all required supporting documents.

After AEW Approval

• Complete all necessary procedures with the Office of Records and Registration before withdrawing. Details are available on the Add/Drop and Withdrawal webpage.
• Settle any university and personal bills, notify Residence Life or your landlord, and provide a forwarding address to the U.S. Postal Service.
• Depart the U.S. within 15 days of your AEW effective date.

When your AEW is processed, your SEVIS record—and any dependent records—will be terminated on the date you drop your classes. On-campus employment will also end on that date. F-2 dependents must leave the U.S. when you do.

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Returning to the U.S. After AEW

If absent less than 5 months:

• Ensure your F-1 visa is still valid.
• Contact International Student Services (ISS) at least 60 days before your planned return and provide your flight itinerary.
• You may re-enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the next semester begins.
• You must enroll full-time in that semester, even if it is summer.
• ISS will request SEVP to reactivate your SEVIS record (same SEVIS ID). Processing can take several weeks.
• Once your record is active, ISS will issue an updated I-20. You must complete Immigration Check-In upon return.

If absent 5 months or more:

• You must request a new Initial Form I-20, which will include a new SEVIS ID.
• You may need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and apply for a new F-1 visa.

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Important: Always follow the AEW and return procedures exactly as outlined. Attempting to re-enter without proper authorization may result in denial at the border and other immigration complications.