Program extensions may be made based on additional program requirements due to a change in majors or based on compelling medical reasons supported by a medical doctor's documentation.

The procedure for authorizing a program extension due to a change of major or addition of a minor includes:

1- Student applies for change of major in advance (at least 30 days) of current program completion date on the I-20 with the Registrar based on procedures found in the Advising Handbook.

3- Student completes top portion of above form and has the Academic Adviser or Department Head complete the remainder of the form. By completing and signing this form the Academic Adviser or Department Head is recommending that the student be given additional time to continue his or her studies and indicates the reason(s) why. The basis for program extension should be program related.  Academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for requesting program extension.

4- Upon completing the change of major process and obtaining the completed "Academic Adviser's Recommendation for Extension of Time For a Program of Study" from the adviser or department head, the student brings the related forms to the International Student Advisor, DSO.

5- The DSO assesses the student's eligibility for program extension based on the following:

a. Student has continually maintained status;

b. Proper documentation has been obtained from the Registrar and Academic Adviser/Department Head;

c. Request for extension is prior to the program completion date and there is time to update SEVIS prior to the completion date.

6- If it is determined that the student is eligible for program extension and the program completion date has not arrived the  DSO:

a. Updates SEVIS with the new program completion date, new major(s) or minor(s), and an explanation of the circumstances that necessitates the extension.

b. Prints new I-20 with the new completion date and signs on page 1, item 10.

c. Has student sign new I-20 and gives a copy to the student.

d. Retains copies of all documentation to support the program extension.

If medical reasons would cause a student to request a program extension then documentation from the doctor would be required in addition to a completed "Academic Adviser's Recommendation For Extension of time For a Program of Study" form. The medical doctor's recommendation would need to be in writing on the physician's letterhead and a description of the student's medical condition and a compelling explanation as to why the student would need to extend their program is required. This recommendation must be dated and signed.

Steps 3 through 6 should then be followed.