When students face extenuating circumstances and are unable to complete a course during the semester, they may request a DF (deferred) grade from the instructor. If the instructor allows the DF grade, students must work with that instructor to develop a timeline for completion of outstanding work. When developing the timeline, students should note that instructors need adequate time to review and grade any submitted work prior to the Graduate School deadline. The Graduate School requires a final grade be submitted within 12 weeks of the end of the semester or the DF will automatically convert to F. A deferred grade that is automatically converted to an F can only be changed with approval of the Graduate School. Please also be aware that, per Graduate School policy, students may not participate in any milestone (i.e., qualifying examination, comprehensive examination, or thesis/dissertation defense) if there are any deferred grades on their transcript.
