(a) Consent to Magistrate Judge. With the approval of the district judge to whom the case
is assigned, the parties to a dispositive motion may consent to the final resolution and entry of
judgment on the dispositive motion by a magistrate judge.
(b) Final Rulings by Magistrate Judge. If all parties consent to a final ruling on the motion
by a magistrate judge and one is available to hear the motion, the motion will be heard by a
magistrate judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c)(1). Unless the parties specify otherwise in their
consent to the exercise of jurisdiction by the magistrate judge, any appeal shall be to the court of
appeals pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c)(3). Consent to a final ruling on a dispositive motion by a
magistrate judge does not waive any party's right to have other matters heard by a district judge.
