Statute of Limitations

Effective Fall 2011, students in post-master’s doctoral programs are expected to complete all degree requirements within seven (7) years of the first date of coursework.

First date of coursework is defined as the last day of the semester in which the student was first enrolled.  Students may petition one time for a one (1) year extension with written support from and approval of the program. In the rare case that a student has an extreme circumstance that prevents the student from engaging in coursework, the student must gain approval to “stop the clock” on the statute of limitations at the time of the event with written support from and approval of the program.

Appeals to denied requests to extend the statute of limitations for graduate study may include a procedural review by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, upon request of the student.  Such appeals will not be considered by the Committee on Student Standing.

If a student has an extreme circumstance that could require an extension of the statute of limitations, they must go to their advisor and the program director, at the time of the event and inform them of their situation.

A decision on whether or not to stop the clock should then be clearly documented in the student’s file.