Criteria for Extensions

Background

The DMin Committee has voted, and the program administration implemented, granting of a one-year extension when supported by the advisor and accompanied by a plan for completion within reasonable time frames. On occasion, a second year has been granted in like circumstances when the participant is nearing completion. The participant is charged the equivalent of one doctoral credit per semester tuition as an extension fee.

Current Situation

Participants request extensions under unusual circumstances, putting forward a broad spectrum of reasons for their delay. Program administration feels the process needs to be further defined.

Recommendation

That a one-year extension be considered by the DMin Committee on recommendation of the Admissions, Extensions, and Drop Sub-Committee when the following criteria have been met:

1. The participant's request is supported by the advisor,
2. a plan for completion accompanies the request and is deemed reasonable by the sub-committee,
3. The participant has an approved proposal, and chapters two and three are approved by the advisor and second reader, or
4. a serious life calamity has slowed completion (conditions 1 and 2 must be met).

Further, a second year of extension may be considered on recommendation of the Admissions, Extensions, and Drop Sub-Committee when the above criteria are in place, except that the proposal is approved and chapters two, three, and four must be approved by the advisor and second reader.

Program administraiton is to deny the processing of extension requests when the above criteria are not in place. A fee for extension (1st or 2nd) equal to one credit per semester is to be applied except when the delay can be linked to the performance of an advisor as determined by program administration.

2/15/2012