Incomplete Grades

Policy on Incomplete Work (Articles of Government: Book II, Article VI, Section 4. End-of-Term Work)

If a student's work in a course is unfinished at the close of a semester, the instructor may enter the notation "I" (for incomplete) on the electronic grade sheet or may grade the student on the work that was submitted for the course, averaging in zero(es) for the missing work.

1. Unexcused Incomplete Work. The notation of “I” will ordinarily remain on the student’s permanent record to indicate the extra time given to complete work; the new grade will appear beside the “I.”

2. Excused Incomplete Work. If a student is unable to complete work for a course because of an emergency or illness, the student may petition the Academic Review Board to have the incomplete excused. If the Board deems the explanation adequate, the incomplete will be excused, and when the new grade is recorded, the “I” will be removed from the record.

3. Ordinarily, unless the instructor sets an earlier deadline, missed papers and other assignments must be handed in by the beginning of the semester following that in which the incomplete was received. Ordinarily, examinations missed at the end of a semester should be taken by the end of the first week of that following semester. Students and faculty make their own arrangements for the submission of work and administration of make up examinations.

4. If the missing work has not been submitted by the deadline, the instructor may again choose to grade the student on the work that was submitted, averaging in zero(es) for the missing work. If the instructor does not choose this option, the “I” will be replaced by the notation “INC” for the grade of permanent incomplete. That course will not be considered as a unit attempted or completed in computing the grade point average.

5. The Academic Review Board will note cases where the number of Incompletes indicates a serious neglect of academic responsibilities on the part of a student.

For Students

The Temporary Incomplete Grade Request process allows students to request extra time to complete coursework under extenuating circumstances. To begin, students must first discuss their situation with their instructor to determine if a temporary incomplete is appropriate. If the instructor agrees, the student must complete and submit the Incomplete Request Form to their instructor before the end of the final exam period. You will include a list of the specific missing assignments that you need additional time to complete. As part of the  approval, the instructor will specify the deadline for completing outstanding coursework. Please be aware that failure to meet the agreed-upon terms may result in the incomplete grade being converted to a permanent incomplete (“INC”) or a final grade that incorporates zeros for incomplete work.

If your incomplete is due to extraordinary circumstances, such as serious illness or a family emergency, and you wish to petition for an excused incomplete, you may do so by submitting a petition to the Academic Review Board. This option is only available after your incomplete request has been approved by your instructor. Further details on the excused incomplete process can be found in the Student Handbook.

Summary of Incomplete Request Process for Students

1. Initial Discussion: Discuss your situation with your instructor to determine if requesting a temporary incomplete is appropriate for your circumstances.
2. Form Submission: If the instructor agrees that an incomplete is warranted, complete the Incomplete Request Form (this form is now available in Workday) and submit it to your instructor before the end of the final exam period. You will list all assignments you plan to submit.
3. Approval and Plan: If your request is approved, your instructor will note the submission deadline for the outstanding coursework.
4. Adherence to Terms:Ensure you meet the terms agreed upon for completing your coursework. Failure to do so may result in the temporary incomplete grade being converted to a permanent “INC” or a final grade that incorporates zeros for any incomplete work.
5. Petition for an Excused Incomplete (if applicable): If your incomplete is due to extraordinary circumstances, such as serious illness or a family emergency, and you wish to petition for an excused incomplete, you may do so by submitting a petition to the Academic Review Board. This option is only available after your incomplete request has been approved by your instructor. Further details on this process can be found in the Student Handbook.

For Faculty

The Temporary Incomplete Grade Request process is designed to support students facing extenuating circumstances while upholding academic standards. Before approving a request for a temporary incomplete grade, instructors are encouraged to discuss the situation with the student to assess their needs and explore all options, including withdrawal from the course or accepting a final grade without any additional time to complete missing assignments. Approved requests must include a clear plan for the student to complete outstanding coursework by the specified deadline. Instructors should ensure students understand that failure to meet these terms may result in the temporary incomplete being converted to a permanent “INC” or a final grade that factors in zeros for any incomplete work. At this time, a faculty member may submit a temporary incomplete grade for any reason, including when a student has not made any request (through the form or through other means).

Additional Details:

• If you encounter unique circumstances or require additional guidance, please contact the student’s Class Dean for context and support.
• Please note that faculty cannot “excuse” incompletes. Students may petition for an excused incomplete through the Academic Review Board, as outlined in the Student Handbook, only after their incomplete request has been approved.
• When final grades are calculated for your students, you will also calculate the grade the student would have earned if the temporary incomplete had not been granted, factoring in zeros for any outstanding assignments as of the end of the exam period and report the grade through the Incomplete Grade Form in Workday. The grade you report will be used by the Committee on Curriculum and Academic Policy (CCAP) in aggregated data on incomplete grades. This is not an official student grade and will not be part of the student’s academic record.

Summary of Incomplete Request Process for Faculty

1. Initial Discussion: Engage in a conversation with the student to assess their situation and determine if requesting an incomplete is appropriate. During this discussion, explore all potential options, including course withdrawal or accepting a final grade.
2. Approval and Plan: If the request is approved, create a clear plan with the student outlining the remaining coursework to be completed and specifying a deadline for completion.
3. Student Understanding: Ensure the student fully understands that failure to meet the agreed-upon terms may result in the incomplete grade being converted to a permanent “INC” or a final grade that factors in zeros for any incomplete work.
4. Final Grade Calculation: When calculating final grades, determine the grade the student would have earned without the incomplete, factoring in zeros for outstanding assignments. Enter this grade on the Incomplete Grade Form for CCAP's aggregated data.
5. Consultation for Unique Cases: If you encounter unique or complex situations and need further guidance, reach out to the student’s Class Dean for additional context and support.
6. Excused Incompletes: Remember that faculty cannot “excuse” incompletes. If a student wishes to pursue an excused incomplete due to extraordinary circumstances, they may petition the Academic Review Board as outlined in the Student Handbook. This step is only available after their temporary incomplete request has been approved.