November 2016
Extensions to Graduate Programs
Guidelines for Granting Extensions to Graduate Programs
These Guidelines were approved by the FGSR Graduate Studies Committee in July, 2005.
Circumstances may sometimes justify an Extension to a student’s Graduate Program beyond the normal
maximum period identified in the Graduate Calendar.
1) An Extension to a Graduate Program may be considered under any of the following
conditions which have interfered with the student’s ability to complete their Program within the normal
maximum period:
a) Illness, family strife, or unforeseen family responsibilities*
b) Pursuit of an employment opportunity which was a positive experience towards the
student’s Graduate Program*
c) Unforeseen difficulties beyond the control of the student in pursuit of the thesis
research.
*Note: In cases (a) and (b) above, it is highly preferable that the student apply for a Leave
of Absence from their Programs at the time of the situation which “stops the clock” on their
normal time-for-completion of their Program.
2) A student applying for an Extension should complete an application for Program Extension and submit it to
their Program Coordinator/Director for approval. The request should describe the reasons for the requested
extension and a timeline for program completion. After the Program Coordinator/Director has reviewed the
application it will be forwarded to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.
3) The Extension to a Program will be for a maximum of 1 year in length per request. Extensions can be
granted a maximum of two times for Master’s programs and three times for PhD programs.
4) A student at or beyond their normal maximum Program period who is denied an Extension will normally be
required to withdraw from their Graduate Program.
5) A student who does not complete their Program within the maximum number of allowable Extensions will
normally be required to withdraw from their Graduate Program.
6) Extensions will not be granted retroactively to a student who abandoned their Program (i.e. failed to register
for one or more semester) and is beyond their normal maximum Program period.