Dean’s Extensions: Policies and Requests

I. Yale College Policy Governing Dean’s Extensions:

A Dean’s Extension is an electronic form signed by the residential college dean that authorizes the postponement of written work or exams during term-time.  More basic information on Dean’s Extensions is below; you can also consult the Branford Dean’s Extension Manual for answers to some of the FAQs about Dean’s Extensions.

There are three kinds of late or postponed work: (1) work late during term time; (2) work incomplete at the end of term; and (3) postponed final examinations. Instructors of courses may, during term time, give permission to make up late or missed work, provided that such work is submitted before the end of term.  Please keep in mind that if you do not feel comfortable discussing your situation with your professor you should contact the Dean directly.

It is important to be aware of your instructors’ authority to postpone work, since a Dean’s Extension can be issued only in the following instances, which are outlined in the Academic Regulations of Yale College, here:

  1. Incapacitating illness or incapacitating condition of any kind
  2. Death of a family member
  3. A comparable emergency
  4. Observance of religious holy days
  5. Participation in varsity intercollegiate athletic events

Dean’s Extensions must be requested promptly.  In any of the five cases above, please notify me as soon as you are able via email or a call to the Dean’s office.

Because the language of the academic regulations is necessarily efficient and judicious, it cannot account for every situation. If you think you may qualify for a Dean’s Extension, but you’re not certain whether your circumstances fit under one of these categories, please come talk with me as soon as possible.

It is also important to know that Dean’s Extensions can only extend deadlines: they cannot excuse absences, whatever the reason. If you must miss class, it is your responsibility to notify your instructor.

Work Incomplete at the End of Term

The rules governing the postponement of work at the end of term are different than those governing the postponement of work during the term. Only residential college deans can authorize extensions beyond the end of Reading Period for work due during the term (i.e., anything that is not a final paper or a final project). Likewise, only residential college deans can extend final papers / final projects beyond the end of exam period; and only residential college deans can postpone final examinations. Without WRITTEN permission from me, you will not be able to postpone beyond these deadlines a final examination or any other end-of-term project, or regular course work due late in the term itself, regardless of whether the instructor has given you permission.

II. How to request a Dean’s Extension:

If you find yourself in one of the situations listed above and require a Dean’s Extension as a result, you should do three things:

1) Please email the Dean as soon as you know that you need a postponement of written work, explaining briefly your reason for requesting a Dean’s Extension. In your email request, please also include the following information:

1. Course title and number
2. Name and contact information of your instructor(s) (and TA, if applicable)
3. A description of the assignment
4. The original deadline of the assignment
5. How much additional time you think you need (NB: make-up exams are scheduled by arrangement with the instructor, and so this applies to other written work)
6. Whether you have requested an extension from your professor

2) Please make an appointment with the Dean to discuss the Dean’s Extension, determine an appropriate revised deadline, and make a plan to get back on track in your coursework if necessary. 

3) Fill out the request for a Dean’s Extension here.