Student Enrollment Options
Overview
At Brigham Young University–Hawaii, students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment and complete their degree within 10 semesters. However, students experiencing health concerns, personal emergencies, academic difficulties, or other complications may qualify for enrollment options that help them continue their education while protecting their academic standing when possible.
This page provides information about available enrollment options, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and possible impacts on housing, employment, scholarships, financial aid, and international student status.
Academic Enrollment Options
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Toggle ItemDrop a Class
Students may drop a class during the add/drop period if they need to adjust their schedule. Classes dropped within the first 4 school days do not receive a fee. After the first 4 days, a $10 fee per class applies. Dropping below full-time status may affect housing, employment, scholarships, financial aid, and international student visa status.
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Toggle ItemWithdraw From a Class
Students who are unable to continue a course after the withdrawal period begins may officially withdraw from the class. A withdrawal results in either a W grade (no GPA impact) or a WF grade (affects GPA). A $10 fee applies for each withdrawn class, and tuition is not refunded.
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Toggle ItemIncomplete (I) Grade
An Incomplete grade may be approved for students experiencing serious extenuating circumstances that prevent them from finishing coursework before the semester ends. Students are given up to one year to complete the remaining requirements. If the coursework is not completed within one year, the grade automatically becomes an F.
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Toggle ItemReduced Course Load (RCL)
A Reduced Course Load (RCL) allows eligible students to take fewer credits while maintaining full-time student status. This option is commonly used for approved medical situations or for students in their final semester before graduation.
Medical Reduced Course Load (MRCL)
- Available for students with physical or mental health concerns that affect their ability to carry a full course load. Medical documentation is required.
Last Semester Reduced Course Load (LRCL)
- Available for students in their final semester who need fewer credits to complete graduation requirements.
Enrollment Support for Health or Personal Circumstances
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Toggle ItemPart-Time Enrollment (PT)
Part-time enrollment allows students to take fewer than the full-time credit load:
- Less than 12 credits (Fall/Winter)
- Less than 8 credits (Spring)
This option is available for both domestic and international students, as long as they can still complete their degree within the 10-semester allotment.
Deadline: Last day to drop classes
Impact
- Students are not eligible for most student benefits, including:
- Housing
- Student employment (SMB)
- Some scholarships and services
- May affect financial aid eligibility
- International students must comply with visa requirements and may need to be outside the U.S. depending on their status
How to Apply
- Register for 1–11 credits
- International students must ensure they have:
- Valid passport and visa
- DS-2019 or I-20 properly endorsed
- International students enrolling part-time without MRCL may not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. until full-time enrollment resumes
- Returning international students may need a travel signature from International Student Services (ISS)
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Toggle ItemMedical Reduced Course Load (MRCL)
A temporary reduction in course load for students experiencing physical or mental health conditions, while still maintaining full-time student status.
Deadline: First Friday after the start of the semester
Impact
- Student remains classified as full-time
- May affect scholarships and federal financial aid
- Students should consult Academic Advising to understand impact on graduation timeline (4-year allotment)
How to Apply
- Complete the Medical Reduced Course Load Request Form through Workday Student system.
- Log in to Workday Student.
- In the search bar, type “Create Request.”
- Under Request Type, select All.
- Find and select Student Request for Reduced Course Load (RCL).
- Complete the required information and choose Medical as the reason.
- Click Submit to send your request.
- Must provide medical or counseling documentation
- Financial Aid counseling is recommended
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Toggle ItemLast Semester Reduced Course Load (LRCL)
Allows students in their final semester to take fewer credits than required while still being considered full-time.
Deadline: First Friday after the start of the semester
Impact
- Maintains full-time student status
- May affect scholarships and federal financial aid eligibility
How to Apply
- Meet with an Academic Advisor to confirm eligibility and graduation plan
- Financial Aid consultation is strongly recommended
- Request for LCRL is done through Workday Student system:
- Log in to Workday Student.
- In the search bar, type “Create Request.”
- Under Request Type, select All.
- Find and select Student Request for Reduced Course Load (RCL).
- Complete the required information and choose Last Term (Graduation) as the reason.
- Click Submit to send your request.
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Toggle ItemLeave of Absence (LOA)
A Leave of Absence allows eligible students to temporarily pause enrollment for one semester without needing to reapply for admission.
Eligibility:
- Must have completed at least one academic year (three consecutive semesters)
- Must be based on documented physical or mental health needs
- Must not extend beyond the 10-semester graduation allotment
Deadline: First Friday after the start of the semester
Impact
- Student returns the following semester without reapplying
- Must remain within the 10-semester graduation timeline
- International students may only take LOA while in their home country
- May affect financial aid, scholarships, and visa status
How to Apply
- Log in to Workday Student.
- In the global search bar, type “Request Leave of Absence” and select the correct task.
- Enter your leave start date for the semester you are requesting (the date should be the first day after the previous semester officially ends).
- Enter your expected return date (first day of the semester you plan to return).
- Select the appropriate reason for your leave from the dropdown menu and click OK.
- Check the box to confirm your Leave of Absence request.
- Provide a brief explanation in the comments section describing why the leave is needed.
- Review all information carefully and click Submit to complete your request.
How to View Your LOA Status
- Log in to Workday Student and open your student home page.
- Navigate to the left-hand menu and select the Academics tab.
- Open the Overview section at the top of the page.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page.
- Under Upcoming Changes, view your Leave of Absence status and details if it has been approved.
Additional Requirements
- Supporting documentation may be required depending on your situation
- International students must ensure they have valid travel documents:
- Passport
- Visa
- DS-2019 or I-20
- International students may also need an ISS travel signature before returning to the U.S.
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Toggle ItemDiscontinuance
Discontinuance means officially withdrawing from ALL classes during a semester.
Deadline:
- Available throughout the semester
- Timing affects tuition refund, financial aid repayment, and academic record
Impact
- Tuition refund may be full, partial, or none depending on timing
- May require repayment of federal financial aid
- $10 processing fee applies
- Loss of student benefits:
- Housing
- Employment
- Scholarships
- International students lose SEVIS status and must leave the U.S. immediately
- May be required to reapply for future enrollment depending on length of absence
How to Apply
- Log in to Workday Student.
- In the search bar, type “Request Withdrawal” and select the correct task.
- Enter your withdrawal date.
- Select the appropriate reason for withdrawal.
- Click OK to proceed.
- On the next page, review all details carefully and check the confirmation box.
- Click Submit to finalize your request.
Additional Notes
- Contact the Registrar’s Office if you plan to be away for multiple semesters.
Important Reminders
- Students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment
- Students are expected to complete their degree within BYU–Hawaii’s 10-semester limit
- Enrollment changes may affect:
- Housing eligibility
- On-campus employment
- Scholarships
- Federal financial aid
- International student visa status
- Students should meet with:
- Academic Advising
- Financial Aid & Scholarships
- International Student Services (ISS)
- Dean of Students Office
before making enrollment changes