Students whose disability substantially limits their ability to complete a full-time load may be eligible for a reduced credit load between 6-14 credits. If approved for this accommodation, a student would be considered a full-time student to remain eligible for the continuation of their New Mexico scholarships and grants. Recommendation for this accommodation is coordinated by the DAS office in partnership with the Financial Aid Office.

Students who are approved for a reduced credit load as an accommodation are responsible for meeting with the Financial Aid office to discuss the impact of a reduced credit load on their financial aid package (Pell grant, Federal Financial Aid, etc.). The Financial Aid office is responsible for individual financial need assessment including budget allowance, family contribution, and program eligibility. Federal financial aid credit requirement guidelines are not under NMSU control.

Once DAS determines the level of reduced credit load, in consultation with the student based on disability related need, DAS will send an email to the Financial Aid office with the completed Scholarship Credit Hour Adjustment form attached. DAS will verify the exact credit hours the student is registered for prior to signing off on the form and submitting to the Financial Aid office.  This form must be completed for each semester the student wants to use this accommodation. The student is also responsible for meeting with their academic advisor as to how taking a reduced course load impacts their degree plan. The scholarship credit hour adjustment forms must be completed by the close of business on census day for the semester the accommodation is being used.