Grade of Incomplete

An instructor assigning a grade of  "I" (Incomplete) must fill out a form (available on our sharepoint site) and have it signed by the chair. From the catalog: "All incomplete grades must be removed according to a deadline established by the instructor, but no later than the end of the next regular semester otherwise the "I" becomes "F" and cannot be changed. A student must not register for the class when attempting to remove a grade of Incomplete. No student will be allowed to graduate with an Incomplete grade on his/her academic record. Such grades that have not been resolved at the time of graduation will be converted to an “F.” If a student meets graduation requirements, despite the “F,” the appropriate degree will be awarded."

When to Give an Incomplete

The grade of "I" (Incomplete) may be assigned only if all of the following conditions pertain:

• The student is in good standing in the course and has completed all but a small portion of the requirements for the class.
• The student is prevented from completing the remaining requirements by unavoidable circumstances (not by neglect).
• The student can complete the remaining requirements by the end of the next regular semester without repeating the course.
• The instructor and student have discussed and agreed to the grade and conditions.

When Not to Give an Incomplete

An grade if "I" should not be given:

• if an otherwise "good" student inexplicably fails to show up for the final.
• if an otherwise "good" student fails to turn in a paper with no excuse.
• if the student is failing the course or needs to repeat it.

For these cases, the appropriate grade is F.  If, later on, you find the student was incapacitated and legitimately unable to reach you, you can do a grade change. But F is the only appropriate grade when a student hasn't completed the work without being excused by you.