Grading policies

Incomplete "I" grade

An incomplete “I” grade can be assigned at the discretion of your instructor. According to University policy, incompletes may be assigned when extraordinary circumstances prevent you from completing your coursework on time. More information about when an incomplete grade is and is not allowed is below.

Incompletes appear on your transcript as the letter “I.”

Incompletes require a contract with your instructor

If you and your instructor have discussed and agreed to an incomplete grade, you are required to complete an Incomplete Grade Contract. An electronic Incomplete Grade Contract is available online for you to use. It is your responsibility to initiate any electronic Incomplete Grade Contracts.

On the contract you will establish what work remains in order for you to finish the course and a timeline and deadline for you to complete the work. The final deadline must be within one term from the last day of final exams of the term you received the incomplete grade. Depending on your extenuating circumstances, you may be required to provide documentation.

Instructor and student responsibilities

You are responsible to complete the unfinished work by the established deadline. Your instructor is responsible for submitting your grade within four weeks of the date the work is completed.

If you do not complete the work or no grade is assigned, the “I” will lapse to an “F” or “N” consistent with the grade base of registration for the course.

Circumstances when an incomplete is appropriate

  • You have an extraordinary circumstance (i.e. extended illness, serious accident, family emergency) as determined by your instructor that justifies extending the deadline of the class.
  • You have already completed a substantial portion of the coursework with a passing grade.
  • You can complete the unfinished class work in a timeframe that is within one subsequent regular term (fall or spring) from when you received the incomplete grade.

Circumstances when an incomplete is not allowed

  • You are required to re-take or attend the whole course in order to resolve the incomplete grade. (You are not allowed to participate in a class without being registered.)
  • You need to repeat the course. (You must not re-register for a course in order to complete an incomplete grade.)
  • You cannot make up the work on your own without attending the class a second time.

For additional reference, see the University’s Grading and Transcripts policy.

Grading policy

For more about incompletes, when they may be granted, and exceptions to the general guidelines listed above, read section D of the University's Grading and Transcripts policy. Additional information is available in the transcript key.