There are many reasons you might decide to extend your time at Cal Poly.  Needing a little more time to finish your thesis is the most common reason, however life can be unpredictable and you may just need more time.  This page will give you a summary of what you need to consider and the paperwork to file to extend your time at Cal Poly.

There are two primary considerations when extending: Cal Poly’s Continuous Enrollment policy and the CSU’s hard seven-year limit (from the start of graduate standing) on earning a graduate degree:

1. To meet the continuous enrollment requirement you must be enrolled in Fall, Winter, and Spring terms plus the term you graduate (think Summer).  Enrollment in any course meets this requirements.  If you have finished all courses required for your degree but still need time to work on your thesis, enrolling in GS597 is the cheapest way to meet this requirement.  The form to enroll in GS597 can be found near the bottom of the continuous enrollment page. Alternatively you can file for a Leave of Absence if your circumstances merit.
2. If you have already filed the “Application to Graduate” form (if uncertain check your PolyProfile.  If it lists an expected graduation date then you have filed) you need to submit a “GRADUATE CHANGE OF DEGREE COMPLETION TERM REQUEST” form as well.  You can find the form in the “other” section of the graduate education “steps to graduation” page.
3. If you are at or near the seven year limit contact your graduate coordinator immediately.