George Mason University

F-1 and J-1 students do not need permission to choose an alternative grading option as long as they maintain full-time enrollment.

If you are an international student in F-1 or J-1 status, please be aware that withdrawing from a course will reduce your credit load.  F-1 and J-1 students must enroll full-time in the fall and spring semesters in order to maintain their SEVIS record. Full-time status is defined by the Registrar.  Even for those students who have left the United States, full-time enrollment is required to keep the SEVIS record active.  The University is required to terminate the SEVIS record of any student who drops below full-time, unless the student has permission in writing from the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) prior to dropping classes. Students who cannot enroll or remain full-time should contact an OIPS advisor for guidance.

Further information is available in the Self-Service Center at https://oips.gmu.edu/.