Graduate Time Limit for Degree Completion Policy

Sponsor:	School for Graduate Studies
Contact:	Director of Graduate Student Services
Category:	Graduate Studies
Number:	800.009
Effective Date:	2011/07/01
Implementation History:	This makes official our practice of many years.
Keywords:	Graduate, Time, Limit, Completion, Degree
Background Information:

Purpose

To specify the time period for the completion of a graduate degree (master/certificate) and how to request an extension.

Definitions

Statements

The graduate program (masters and/or certificate) must be completed within six years of initial enrollment.  If a student exceeds the six-year time limit, s/he may be permitted to continue if:

• the head of the student’s program approves continuation, but courses which are older than six years will not be counted toward the degree; or
• a waiver of the six-year rule is granted by the dean of the School for Graduate Studies. The student needs to make this request in writing and in consultation with his/her academic advisor and program chair/coordinator. The dean will consider the request based upon factors such as special hardship, excellence of work and closeness to completion. The request for a waiver may be sent to the dean at Graduate_Dean’s.Office@esc.edu.

Applicable Legislation and Regulations

Related References, Policies, Procedures, Forms and Appendices

• Graduate Minimum Study Policy
• Graduate Leave of Absence Procedure