Extensions to Graduate Council Time Limits Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak
The guidance below applies only to students enrolled in the Graduate School in the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, or Spring 2021 semesters who may use these allowances as needed until they graduate.
Qualifying Examinations
CURRENT POLICY PROVISIONS – Qualifying Examinations
- GCAC-604 Qualifying Examination - Research Doctorate
- 2.b. All students must take the Qualifying Examination within three semesters (not counting the summer semester) of entry into the doctoral program.
- 2.b.ii Students pursuing dual-title degrees must take the Qualifying Examination within four semesters (not counting the summer semester) of entry into the doctoral program.
- GCAC-704 Qualifying Examination - Professional Doctorate
- 5. For the doctoral student, the examination may be given after at least 18 credits have been earned in graduate courses beyond the baccalaureate. The examination must be taken within three semesters (excluding summer sessions) of entry into the doctoral program.
ALLOWANCE – Qualifying Examinations
- Students enrolled in the SP20 semester must take the Qualifying Examination within FOUR semesters (not counting the summer semester) of entry into the doctoral program.
- Students pursuing dual-title degrees must take the Qualifying Examination within FIVE semesters (not counting the summer semester) of entry into the doctoral program.
Example
- A research doctorate (Ph.D.) student who was scheduled but unable to take their qualifying examination in the Fall 2020 semester (and that is the third semester after entry into the doctoral program) may take the examination in Spring 2021 without an exception request to Graduate Enrollment Services.
Comprehensive Examinations
CURRENT POLICY PROVISIONS – Comprehensive Examinations
- GCAC-606 Comprehensive Examination - Research Doctorate
- 6. When a period of more than six years has elapsed between the passing of the comprehensive examination and the completion of the program, the student is required to pass a second comprehensive examination before the final oral examination will be scheduled.
- GCAC-706 Comprehensive Examination - Professional Doctorate
- 8. When a period of more than six years has elapsed between the passing of the comprehensive examination and the completion of the program, the student is required to pass a second comprehensive examination before the final oral examination or final performance will be scheduled.
ALLOWANCE – Comprehensive Examinations
- When a period of more than SEVEN years has elapsed between the passing of the comprehensive examination and the scheduled date of the final oral examination or final performance, the student is required to pass a second comprehensive examination before the final oral examination or final performance may be rescheduled and proceed.
Example
- If the doctoral student successfully completed their comprehensive examination on April 1, 2014, they would now have until April 1, 2021 to schedule the Final Oral Examination or Final Performance. After April 1, 2021 a second comprehensive examination would be required.
Time Limitations - Doctoral Degree Students
CURRENT POLICY PROVISIONS – Time Limitations – Doctoral Degree Students
- GCAC-610 Time Limitation - Research Doctorate
- 1. A Ph.D. student is required to complete the program, including acceptance of the doctoral dissertation, within eight years after the date of successful completion of the qualifying examination.
- GCAC-708 Time Limitation - Professional Doctorate
- 1. A doctoral student is required to complete the program, including acceptance of the doctoral culminating project or the passing of the final performance, within eight years after the date of successful completion of the qualifying examination.
ALLOWANCE – Time Limitations - Doctoral Degree Students
- A research doctorate (Ph.D.) or professional doctoral degree student is required to complete the program, including acceptance of the doctoral dissertation or culminating experience, or passing the final performance, within NINE years after the date of successful completion of the qualifying examination.
Example
- If the doctoral student passes the qualifying exam in Spring 2014, the student now has until the end of the Spring 2023 semester to complete all doctoral program requirements and have the degree awarded.
Time Limitations – Master’s Degree Students
CURRENT POLICY PROVISIONS – Time Limitations – Master’s Degree Students
- GCAC-632 Time Limitation - Research Master's
- 1. All requirements for a master’s degree, including acceptance of the culminating experience must be met within eight years of admission to degree status.
- GCAC-732 Time Limitation - Professional Master's
- 1. All requirements for a master’s degree, including acceptance of the culminating experience must be met within eight years of admission to degree status
ALLOWANCE – Time Limitations - Master’s Degree Students
- All requirements for a master’s degree, including acceptance of the culminating experience, must be met within NINE years of admission to degree status.
Example
- If the master’s student is admitted in Spring 2014, the student now has until the end of the Fall 2022 semester to complete all master’s program requirements and have the degree awarded.
- All other Graduate Council defined time limits remain in effect.