Use of the incomplete “I” grade should be used only if a student is unable to complete a course. The “I” grade should NOT be used for thesis and dissertation hours or project-related coursework that spans multiple semesters.
The University Registrar policy (updated October 6, 2016) states: “A course will be given the grade Incomplete or "I" when a student is unable to complete a course due to illness, military service, hardship, or death in the immediate family. Incompletes will be only given if the student has already substantially completed the major requirements of the course.”
If a student is unable to complete a course, the “I” grade may be warranted. Arrangements must be made between the instructor and the student regarding the specific work to be completed at a later date to remove the “I” grade. The student will be allowed to complete the remaining coursework WITHOUT re-registering for the course. Appropriate use of the “I” grade is described in the Graduate Catalog.
Problem to be avoided
Students receiving federal financial aid are required to make satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion. Assigning the “I” grade, which signifies unsatisfactory progress, could put the student in jeopardy of losing their financial aid. Therefore, the “I” grade should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.
Solution for thesis and dissertation hours
Students working on a thesis or dissertation should be assigned a grade of “IP” (in progress) or “XP” (no progress) for semesters preceding their final semester. These grades will be changed to “P” (pass) or letter grade upon successful completion of the final examination. Appropriate use of “IP” and “XP” grades is described in the Graduate Catalog.
Solution for projects spanning multiple semesters
Projects not related to theses or dissertations that span multiple semesters should be graded each semester. The use of pass/no pass or letter grades indicate to the student their progress toward project completion. The “I” grade should not be used for students making satisfactory progress.