Credit over seven years old at the time of graduation, which is included on the master's or educational-specialist program of study and has not been applied to a previous degree, may not be counted toward the fulfillment of a graduate degree program unless validated to the satisfaction of the department or school and the School of Graduate Studies. Petitions and affidavits for this purpose may be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies. A maximum of 30 percent of the student's program of study may be validated under this procedure.

In connection with an authorized leave of absence, an exception to the time limitation may be approved in advance.