International students who are in the United States for the
primary purpose of studying are expected to complete their degree within the average
length of time for their particular program.
ISSS does not set the average length of time; this is set by the
programs themselves and communicated to the admissions office for that
program. The student is issued a
Certificate of Eligibility (COE), or I-20/DS-2019 to support their visa, and
the COE contains the expected start and end date for that student's
program. If a student needs more time to
complete their degree, they will need to apply for a program extension before
the end date of their COE.
In order to apply for a program extension, the student needs
the signature and support of their academic department. The academic department should complete the ISSS Program Extension
form. The department faculty or staff
completing the form should be specific about the reason for extension. If the extension reason is not one of the
listed reasons on the form, and “other” is checked, an additional letter of explanation
may be required.
ISSS treats all program extensions on a case-by-case basis. Since the university sets the length of time
for the student's program of study, there should be very few students who need program
extensions. Under reasonable circumstances,
and even with minor set-backs, students should be able to complete their program
in the time provided.
