Information for Academic Departments & Advisors

Academic Advising

All international students must maintain a full-time course load. If an international student withdraws from the University, he/she has 15 days to depart the U.S. Also, any international student must have prior authorization from the International Center before dropping below full time. International students may only drop below full time for academic reasons ONCE, and only for the following reasons:

1. Difficulties with the English Language
2. Difficulties with American teaching method.
3. Enrollment in an improper course level.

A student may be less than full-time in the last semester of study if the student does not need a full-time course load to complete the program. The Office of International Services MUST be informed at the beginning of the semester.

A student may be permitted to drop below full time for a medical reason, but we are required to have documentation from a doctor before a decision can be made.

Additionally, a student may not change his/her major without completing a "Change of Program" with our office. A student's visa documents indicate a specific major.

Changes to Curriculum

New majors or programs must be reported via SEVIS. Please contact us if majors are added or deleted.

On Line/Distance Education

International students are permitted to count only one on-line course (three credits) per semester towards the required number of credits to be enrolled as a full time student. A student may be enrolled in more than one on-line course as long as only one course counts towards the full-time course load requirement.

Inviting International Scholars or Researchers to SLU

If you would like to invite a foreign researcher or scholar to SLU, the procedures will not change perceptibly. Your department will submit a request form to our office and we will provide the immigration documentation for that individual. Please note that we are no longer producing that document in our office. We must request it through SEVIS. Please allow additional time when submitting these requests or requesting renewals of J visa documents. Also, the dependents of J scholars and researchers will be required to have their own documents. Please contact the Office of International Services at (314) 977-2318 if you have any questions about inviting international scholars or researchers to Saint Louis University.