Specimens loaned to graduate students (MS or PhD) are subject to all normal loan policies, but are co-loaned to their major advisor, who is ultimately responsible for returning the material.
Students are expected to return material at the completion of their research project or as quickly thereafter as possible. The OSAC will require an official letter or e-mail from the advisor acknowledging our loan policies and their responsibilities in returning the material.
Recommendation: Advisors should inform students at the start of their project that theses will not be signed unless specimens have been returned.