EXTENSIONS

Subject:		Extensions
Date:		May 2012
To:		Members of the Faculty
From:		Marilyn R. Schuster, Provost and Dean of the Faculty

In an attempt to clarify the roles of class deans and instructors in granting extensions, the class deans, including the dean for the Ada Comstock Scholars, have asked that I convey the following information regarding the two types of extensions that may be granted for academic assignments.

1. An individual faculty member, without authorization by the class dean, may grant extensions through the last day of final exams.
   Such extensions may not carry beyond the end of the final examination period. This is in accordance with the policy stated in the Catalogue:

   "Only the class dean may authorize an extension for any reason beyond the end of the final examination period. Such extensions, granted for reasons of illness, emergency or extenuating personal circumstances, will always be confirmed in writing with the faculty member, the registrar, and the student. An individual faculty member, without authorization by the class dean, may grant extensions on work due during the semester through the last day of final exams." The class deans will normally communicate promptly in writing with a faculty member regarding any extraordinary circumstances that might validate absence from class or an extension in work to be submitted during the semester (e.g., confirmed lengthy illness, death of a parent or sibling, extenuating personal problems). The faculty member, who sees each student on a regular basis, is better able to judge the validity of granting an extension during the semester than is a class dean. Therefore class deans normally will not furnish a "note from the dean" in cases of absence from class or an extension of work during the semester. Similarly, Health Service is unable to furnish a note that might validate an absence from class or an extension in work. In those instances where illness significantly interferes with the ability of a student to meet her responsibilities, Health Service will notify the class dean who will inform the faculty member, as discussed above.

2. Only the class dean may authorize an extension beyond the last day of final examinations. Such extensions, granted for reasons of illness or emergency, will always be confirmed in writing with the faculty member, the registrar, and the student.