Time Limit for Academic Programs Completion

Excelsior University programs are designed, within limits, to be completed at a student’s own pace. However, students must make continuous progress toward their academic goals. Students will be academically dismissed if they do not complete their program within the published program time limits. For the purposes of this policy, the time limit for program completion is calculated based on the academic policy date.

Time Limit for Completion of Excelsior University Degree and Certificate Programs

The time limit to program completion is cumulative for all Excelsior degree and certificate programs. If enrollment is not continuous, all previous enrollments will be considered for these time limits.

In nursing degree programs, the time limit for program completion is cumulative between all undergraduate programs and between all graduate programs.

With the exception of the programs listed in the table below, all other undergraduate degree program must be completed in seven years and all other graduate degree programs must be completed in five years. All certificates, undergrad and graduate, must be completed in two years.

An official leave of absence granted by the Ombudsperson may extend the time limit for up to one year.

Procedure

The time limit for program completion will not reset when the student applies for admission for re-enrollment to the University. Students will have the balance of time remaining to program completion upon each enrollment in the same degree or certificate program. For example, if student withdraws after 3 years of enrollment in the Associate in Science in Nursing degree program, and re-applies to it after one year, they will have 1.5 years remaining to complete that program and will be subject to the policies in effect upon admission.

Request for Time Limit Extensions

Student requests for an exception to this policy must be submitted to the school of enrollment, include justification for the exception, and be received no less than six months prior to the program completion deadline. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the dean/designee.

In consultation with the Office of the Ombudsperson, an official leave of absence granted by the Ombudsperson may extend the time limit for up to one year.