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Extension Request (Expired Course Work)

CMU requires all graduate students to complete their degree within 7 years from the date they start their course work (4 years for graduate certificate course work). If you have course work that is more than 7 years old, it is no longer eligible to use toward your degree (anything more than 4 years old is no longer eligible for a certificate).

If you are committed to completing your degree or certificate you do have the option of requesting an extension. CMU is very strict about enforcing the 7 year timeline and extensions are usually only granted under extreme circumstances such as military deployment to a hostile theatre, life threatening illness, etc.

There are 4 steps necessary to request an extension:

  1. Contact your Graduate Advisor. Your advisor will be able to assess your situation and determine your alternatives. Your advisor must support and approve your extension request prior to sending it to the Graduate Office.
  2. Complete the Request for Extension Form.
    1. You can view your academic history on iCentral at: https://icentral.cmich.edu.
      1. Enter Global ID and password
      2. Select "Academics" from the left-hand menu
      3. Under "Course Related" select "View Academic History"
      4. Enter the Level (Graduate/Doctoral)
    2. This will provide you with course information, GPA, semester hours completed, etc. You only need to list the courses that will be more than 7 years old by the requested extension date for graduation.
  3. Write a Letter of Explanation that includes:
    1. Requested date of extension
    2. How you have stayed current in the coursework that is expired   
    3. The extenuating circumstances that have prohibited you from completing your degree within the 7 year time frame
    4. Your commitment to complete the courses required to finish your degree
    5. The letter should be addressed to: Director Central Michigan University 802 Industrial Drive Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
  4. Fax the completed Request for Extension Form and Letter of Explanation to your Graduate Advisor at (989) 774-1998 for support and approval. The Graduate Advisor will forward your extension request to the Graduate Office for consideration.