An F-1 student is considered in status for the entire length of time during which he/she is enrolled as a full-time student in an educational program if adhering to the conditions of the visa designated on the I-94 card, plus any authorized period of practical training and an additional sixty (60) days to prepare for departure. Pay close attention to the conditions described below:

You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the university you are authorized to attend. This means that you must only attend the school whose I-20 you last used to enter the U.S. or the school whose I-20 you used to transfer schools. Should you decide to withdraw from the university, you are not allowed to remain in the U.S. in student status.
You may engage in employment or practical training only when you have received the necessary permission. (See section on Employment.)

You must apply for extensions in a timely fashion. Duration of Status expires if a student takes longer than expected to complete a given academic level (e.g. bachelor's, master's.) The amount of time permitted for completing studies at a given level is determined by the date put on the initial I-20 issued at the beginning of each academic level. Students must pay close attention to the expected completion date noted on the form I-20 for each level. If more time is needed, an application for extension of stay must be filed with INS. There are certain requirements you must meet to be eligible for an extension, so you will need to consult with a DSO before the completion date.

You must be a full-time student during each regular term of the academic year. At Webber International University this is 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates and 8 credit hours for graduate students. Exceptions can be made on the recommendation of a DSO for valid medical or academic reasons as defined by the INS. Be sure to speak with the Student Development Office about any exceptions before dropping classes to avoid the serious consequences that may result from being out of status.

NOTE: Students who fail to maintain full-time course enrollment are not eligible for any of the benefits of the student visa: on-campus and off-campus employment, practical training, remaining in the U.S. during summer vacation, transfer to another school or change of level, or registration for further courses. They are considered to be "out of status" and must apply to INS for reinstatement to valid student status within 5 months. Eligibility for benefits will be regained only if and when INS approves the reinstatement, and the INS criteria for consideration are very limited.  If you have any questions regarding reinstatement, see a DSO immediately.