Body
Unit Policy
Title
College of Arts and Sciences: Additional Semester Appeal Policy
Introduction
Purpose
This policy outlines the circumstances under which UNC undergraduate students may request an additional semester beyond the standard eight-semester limit, and describes the process and criteria for submitting an appeal.
Scope
This policy applies to UNC undergraduate students who need more than eight semesters of full-time enrollment to complete their degree (with a note that transfer students who bring in 30+ credit hours may be eligible for up to 10 semesters automatically).
Policy
Students are expected to complete their undergraduate degree in a maximum of eight semesters* of full-time enrollment at UNC, excluding summer terms. If you need to request an additional semester due to extenuating circumstances, you must fill out the Additional Semester Appeal Form.
Dates to request an additional semester:
- Fall: March 1 through August 15
- Spring: October 1 through January 3.
If you have been inactive for one or more semesters, you must be readmitted. Please visit the Return to Carolina survey on the Admission’s Office website.
Appeal reasons that are usually approved:
- You have not yet met minimum requirements for degree completion (120 hours earned, 2.0 GPA, and completion of one major)
- You are participating in a UNC-endorsed program that requires undergraduate status
- You must retake a course required for graduation that was failed in the final semester
Appeal reasons that are usually NOT approved:
- Sole purpose of completing multiple areas of study (i.e. a second major and minor or two minors)
- Raising a grade point average
- Taking prerequisites for graduate or professional school
- Taking courses related to employment
- Changing major from BA to BS degree
- Completing degree requirements on campus in a fall or spring semester when there are readily available alternatives via summer sessions or online courses
This is not an exhaustive list of reasons for approval or denial; appeals are taken on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions about whether you are eligible for an additional semester, please meet with your assigned academic advisor. Decisions will be based on UNC Academic Policy and our shared commitment support your degree completion.
*Transfer students who transfer in the UNC-Chapel Hill equivalent of two or more semesters (30+ hours) may automatically enroll in up to 10 semesters and complete up to three areas of study (i.e. a second major and a minor or two minors) without permission.”
If you feel your circumstances warrant merit consideration for an additional semester, you may submit your request using this form.
Related Requirements
External Regulations (if applicable)
- Is this Policy connected to any Policies, Laws (federal, state, local, regulations), and/or Accreditation requirements?
- Are there any related UNC System-wide Policies?
- Is this Policy connected to any UNC-Chapel Hill Policies, Procedures, or Standards?
- Are there any other resources or materials readers of this Policy might likely refer to or need to follow or understand this Policy?
Unit Policies, Standards, and Procedures (if applicable)
- Is this Policy connected to any other Unit Policies, Procedures, or Standards?
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Office: Dean's Office
Telephone: 919-962-1165
Email: artsandsciences@unc.edu