Master of Adult Education

Extension Policy

The Committee on Graduate Studies, a committee comprised of university faculty and administration, can grant a one-year extension to Master of Adult Education students who have extenuating circumstances that prevented their completion of the program. All extensions are at the request of the student and need to be supported by the advisor, the department chair and the Committee on Graduate Studies.

The extenuating circumstances on which an extension is based fall into 2 categories:

  • Category A. Medical reasons (of at least a 4-month duration) that are documented by a letter from a physician.
  • Category B. Other extenuating circumstances.

Costs

Medical extensions are usually granted tuition free. In this case, all program phases need not be totally finished before the extension is granted.

Other extensions cost one/third the current tuition. In this case, AE500 needs to be completed and, a grade submitted before the extension can be granted.

Process for Requesting an Extension

Please contact your advisor if your 5-year period in the program is up. Talk to the advisor in advance of the 5-year deadline about your circumstances and your plans to complete the program within the one year. It is usual to make the actual application for extension in the term in which your registration is expiring, not before.

Then write a formal letter to the Chair of the Department asking for an extension. This letter should contain your full contact information including email and your student ID number; whether you are applying under Category A or B; the month and year when you began this program; the time period you are asking the extension for; and a statement of your explicit plans and accompanying timeline for completing the program.

If you are applying for a medical reason (Category A), attach your physician’s note. The chair will consult with the advisor and will make a decision to petition the Committee on Graduate Studies on your behalf.

Extensions are not automatic; they are granted through a deliberative process.