Nov 08, 2024  
2024-25 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-25 Graduate Catalog

Time-to-Degree Masters/Doctoral Dismissal Appeal Policy


A student dismissed from a program because of time-to-degree expiration (see Time Limitations   policy) can appeal the decision to the dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR), based on policy and/or procedural violations. The appeal can be based only on policy/procedural violations.

The appeal must be made in writing to the dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Documentation of the policy(ies)/procedures in question must be provided, along with a detailed description of the alleged violations(s). All evidence supporting the alleged violation should also be provided. The student must submit the written appeal to the dean of the SGSR within 30 days of receipt of the dismissal letter.

Upon receipt of the written appeal to the dean of the SGSR will conduct an investigation of the allegation, review the documentation and render a final decision which completes the appeal process. The decision rendered by the dean of the SGSR is final and may not be appealed.

If it is found that policy/and/or procedure has been violated, the dean of the SGSR will rescind the dismissal.

  1. Masters student time limitation (see Time Limitations   policy) may be extended through student petition to the assistant dean of the SGSR. The program coordinator on behalf of the student, no later than the first day of the month of the student’s time-to-degree expiration date, makes the request to the Dean (or designee) of the SGSR. The request must include justification for the extension. Official documentation to justify the request for the extension and the amount of time will be required by the Dean (or designee) of SGSR to support the request.
  2. Doctoral candidate time limitation (see Time Limitations   policy) may be extended through student petition. The program coordinator on behalf of the student, no later than the first day of the month of the student’s time-to-degree expiration date, makes the request to the dean (or designee) of the SGSR. The request must include justification for the extension. Official documentation will be required to justify the requests for the extension and amount of time by the dean (or designee) of the SGSR to support the request.

No time extensions are considered for doctoral students unless all degree requirements other than dissertation (including the approval of the research topic and IRB, if needed) have been completed by the expiration of the eight-year time limit (see Time Time Limitations   policy).

Students should discuss the justification for an extension with their program coordinator and the eligibility criteria. The program coordinator must contact the dean of the SGSR (or designee) about the extension request for a student. The dean of the SGSR (or designee) will review all documentation submitted, thesis/dissertation progress and time-to-degree limitations. The dean of the SGSR (or designee) will render a decision and convey the decision to the student, program coordinator and thesis/dissertation chair.