Maximum Course Load
Except as stipulated in the program of study, a student will not be permitted to enroll in more than six academic courses or more than 18 semester hours during any combination of terms within a 16-week semester. The maximum load for a 5 1/2-week summer semester is eight semester hours. The maximum credit a student can earn during the entire summer session is 14 semester hours. A student wishing to enroll in more than the maximum course load must have at least a 2.0 grade point average and receive approval from the Campus Dean or Dean of Instruction or the Dean’s designee.
Amount of Credit Earned by a Student in a Given Time Period
Every college course is assumed to involve a significant amount of time outside the classroom (non-contact hours time) for out-of-class student learning. Based on Coordinating Board requirements, institutions should not allow students to carry more courses in any term (regular or shortened semester), which would allow them to earn more than one semester credit hour per week over the course of the term. For example, in a five-and-a-half-week summer term, students should not generally be allowed to enroll for more than six semester credit hours.
CTC has declared its maximum student load as no more than 18 semester hours within a 16-week semester or 8 semester hours during a 5 ½ week summer semester. Otherwise, a student must request an overload. Maximum course load policy was established based on the numerous four-semester hour courses required in certain programs of study, and students often enroll in a combination of three- and four-semester credit hour courses. The CTC Campus Dean or Dean of Instruction or their designee may consider an exception when (1) the student is enrolled in courses with different start/end dates within a given semester, (2) the student has demonstrated above average academic performance in previous attempted CTC coursework, (3) student is near graduation and the course(s) is required for graduation and will not be offered again before the student’s intended graduation date, or (4) due to a program change the course will no longer be offered in the revised program of study and student wishes to remain in his or her current program of study. Other exceptions based on individual student circumstances may be considered.