Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Senior FAQ: Do I have to take 12 credits this spring if I'm graduating in May and don't need that many credits?

 

Short answer: POSSIBLY NOT

Longer answer: if you can complete all your major and General Education requirements, as well as 122 credits (121 for transfers) with fewer than 12 credits this semester, and do not have any outstanding incomplete coursework from the past, you may request permission to take a minimum of 9 credits in your final semester. 

To request permission for this option please submit this form beginning the first day of classes, and before the drop deadline: https://slate.barnard.edu/register/final_semester_request

Per the Barnard Catalogue (emphasis added):

As of Spring 2022, in their final semester of enrollment, graduating seniors who need fewer than twelve credits to complete their degree – and who have already completed at least four full-time semesters in academic residence – may be approved to take a minimum of nine credit hours. Because Barnard students are charged a flat rate of tuition per semester, reducing one’s course load to nine credits will not change the tuition owed in the student’s last semester. International students must consult with International Student Services in advance to determine eligibility.  Students who meet this criteria and are approved to be enrolled in nine credits are still eligible to live in Barnard’s residence halls. 

If any student who is not an eligible senior needs to register for fewer than twelve credits for disability-related reasons, they may reach out to CARDS to discuss the reduced course load process at cards@barnard.edu.  

FAQ:

What about the Dean's List? Don't I need to be in 12 letter-graded credits to be considered for that?

Final-semester students who are approved for fewer than 12 credits are eligible for the dean's list if they complete at least 9 credits with the requisite GPA.