University Incomplete Policy

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on the assignment and resolution of an “Incomplete” grade (“I”) for students who, due to extenuating circumstances, are unable to complete all required coursework within the designated academic term.

II. Scope

Only certain programs can offer an "I" grade, please refer to the respective School or Program Manual for details.

III. Policy Statement

An “Incomplete” grade is a temporary grade indicating that a student has completed the majority of the course requirements but, due to legitimate and unforeseen circumstances, cannot complete the remaining requirements by the end of the term. The decision to grant an "Incomplete" ("I") rests with the instructor, subject to the conditions outlined in this policy.

IV. Eligibility Criteria

IV.I A student may be eligible for an Incomplete grade (SAS/SGS) if:

1. At least 75% of the coursework has been satisfactorily completed.
2. The student’s performance in the completed portion of the course is at a passing level.
3. The student is unable to complete the remaining work due to extenuating circumstances, such as:
   1. Serious illness or medical emergency
   2. Family emergency or death in the immediate family
   3. Military service obligations
   4. Other circumstances deemed appropriate by the instructor and Office of Student Affairs in consultation with the relevant Dean

IV.II Procedure

1. Student Request
   1. The student must contact the instructor/course director before the final examination period begins (or as soon as possible in the event of an emergency) to request an Incomplete.
   2. The request must include documentation of the extenuating circumstance.
2. Instructor Decision
   1. The instructor evaluates the request and determines whether an Incomplete is appropriate.
3. If approved, the instructor and student must complete an Incomplete Grade Agreement Form, which specifies:
   1. The coursework to be completed
   2. The completion deadline
4. Submission and Approval
   1. The completed agreement must be submitted to the department chair or academic dean/designee for final approval before the end of the grading period.

V. Completion Deadline

1. All coursework must be completed within 30 days of the term ending and in a timeframe that allows all end-of-term processes to occur.
2. Failure to complete the required work by the deadline will result in the automatic conversion of the “I” grade to the default grade listed on the Incomplete Agreement Form, typically an “F.”

VI. Responsibilities

1. Student: Responsible for initiating the request, completing outstanding work, and meeting established deadlines.
2. Instructor: Responsible for documenting the agreement, grading completed work, and submitting the final grade by the established deadline.
3. Office of the University Registrar: Responsible for maintaining records of Incomplete grades and enforcing deadline conversions.

VII. Exceptions

Extensions beyond the stated deadline may only be granted under extraordinary circumstances with written approval from the Dean. Official communication from the Dean must be sent to the Office of the University Registrar for any exception.

VIII. Academic Standing and Financial Aid

An “Incomplete” grade may affect a student’s academic standing, academic promotion, financial aid eligibility, or graduation timeline. Students are advised to consult with the Office of the University Registrar and Financial Aid Office before requesting an "Incomplete".

IX. Authority

Office of the Registrar; reviewed every 3 years.

X. Version History

(1025011)