Incomplete Grade Policy

Students are expected to complete a course during the semester in which the course was taken.  The “I” grade is a temporary course grade that may be assigned, at the discretion of the instructor, when extenuating circumstances (illness, necessary absence, etc.) beyond a student’s control prevent completion of course requirements. The student must have otherwise demonstrated satisfactory performance in the completed portion of the course. Supporting documentation may be required by the instructor for extenuating circumstances, in coordination with the Dean of Students, if appropriate.  

An “I” grade should not be assigned for any of the following:

• In place of a failing grade;
• If the student is expected to attend additional class meetings;
• If student intends to re-register for the same course in the subsequent semester;
• To raise the grade by doing additional work.

Due dates to resolve an “I” grade:

Students must complete and submit final coursework to their instructor one week before the listed deadlines below. If the “I” grade is not resolved by the stated due date, a final grade of “F” will be assigned.  

Instructors must submit a final grade by the following deadlines except for circumstances meeting the exceptions indicated below: 

• February 1 for Fall semester courses (or the next business day)
• July 1 for Spring semester courses (or the next business day)
• September 1 for Summer semester courses (or the next business day)

Exceptions:

• Graduation:  A student will not be eligible to graduate and have a degree conferred with any unresolved “I” grades.  A student may, however, participate in commencement with no more than six (6) hours of completing their degree requirements including “I” grades. In such as case, the student’s conferral date will reflect the semester the “I” grade is resolved and all degree requirements are completed.
• Prerequisites: An “I” grade received for a prerequisite course must be resolved no later than the first day of class of the following semester. Otherwise, the student will be dropped from the preregistered course that required the prerequisite course.

Implications:

• Academic standing:  After final grades are processed, the student’s academic standing is reviewed and calculated based on the requirements of the Academic Standing and Progression Policy. The “I” grade may impact the completion ratio which may result in a student being placed on Academic Probation (or Continued Probation).  If the “I” grade is converted to an “F” grade, the GPA will be impacted and may result in a student being placed on Academic Probation (or Continued Probation).
• Financial Aid: If the “I” grade is not resolved by the due date noted, a grade of “F” grade will be assigned, and the recalculated GPA may impact the student’s financial aid standing as defined by the Office of Financial Assistance.
• Course load or multiple unresolved “I” grades: A student with six (6) or more hours of unresolved “I” grades at the beginning of a subsequent semester may not enroll in more than 12 credit hours. The Office of Academic Advising will meet with the student to review and determine which classes may need to be dropped a week before the start of the semester.  Students requesting to be registered for more than 12 hours must obtain approval by their Associate Dean.  Consultation with other University offices may be required.

• Extensions: With the approval of the Associate Dean, the instructor may request an extension of the original incomplete period through the end of the subsequent semester, provided that extenuating circumstances (illness, necessary absence, etc.) beyond a student’s control prevent completion of course requirements by end of the original incomplete period. Consultation with other University offices may be required.
• Assigning “I” grade from instructors not returning: Instructors who will not be returning to teach in the subsequent semester and assign an “I” grade shall do the following:
• Notify the Chair of the intention to assign an “I” grade.
• Provide the Chair a copy of the syllabus, all graded assignments for the student, a description of remaining assignments, and any other relevant materials.
• Inform the Chair of the best way to contact the instructor.

The primary responsibility for resolving the “I” grade remains with the instructor who assigned the grade, even if the instructor is no longer employed. However, if the instructor does not respond within the timeline to resolve the “I” grade, the Department Chair assumes the responsibility of resolving the “I” grade.

Notification:

Students who receive an “I” grade will be notified of the Incomplete Grade Policy via email at the end of the semester.

Effective:

Spring 2025