1.   The normal academic load at Davidson is four courses bearing academic credit per semester; a student may elect to take a fifth course.  Except for the opportunity described below (3), a reduced load (three courses) must be recommended by the Dean of Students and approved by the Curriculum Requirements Committee.  Such a reduction ordinarily is based on medical or similar circumstances or special accommodations related to learning differences.  There is no reduction in tuition for a reduced course load, nor is there an additional fee for an overload.  
  
2.   Each Davidson course credit is evaluated as equivalent to four semester hours.  A full-time student thus must take a minimum course load of 12 semester hours (three courses) in defined circumstances, 16 semester hours (four courses) in usual circumstances.  Independent study courses bearing academic credit are included in the student’s course load. 
 
3.   A student who is ahead of normal progress in regard to number of courses may elect a three-course load during any one of the final three semesters (spring of junior year, either semester of senior year). No application for permission is required.