5.1 GRADING SYSTEMS
5.1.2 FURTHER EXPLANATION OF CERTAIN GRADES
5.1.2.1 Grade E
The grade E means that the student can obtain credit in the course only by repeating the entire work of the course in class, or by special examination in accordance with procedures outlined in Section 5.2.1.2. In rare cases in which undue hardship is involved in repeating the work in class, the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled may approve repeating the work by correspondence.
5.1.2.2 Grade I
[US: 9/14/87; US: 10/11/93; US: 12/8/97; US: 5/6/2013]
The grade I means that part of the regularly assigned work of the course remains undone. It shall be conferred only when there is a reasonable possibility that the student can complete the work within the allowable period of time for removal of an I grade and that a passing grade will result from completion of the work. Except under exceptional circumstances, the student shall initiate the request for the I grade. An I grade shall not be conferred when the student's reason for incompleteness is unsatisfactory to the Instructor of Record. A grade of I must be replaced by a regular final letter grade not later than 12 months from the end of the academic term in which the I grade was awarded or prior to the student's graduation, whichever occurs first. The Registrar’s Office shall provide notification to the Instructor of Record at least two months prior to expiration of the allowable period. The Instructor of Record can extend the allowable period for up to an additional 12 months by completing a grade assignment form. If the Instructor of Record is not available, the department chair or dean of the college in which the course is offered may complete a grade assignment form to extend the allowable period for up to 12 months. In the event the grade of I is not replaced by a regular final letter grade within the allowable period, the Registrar shall change the I grade to a grade of E on the student's permanent academic record and adjust the student's GPA accordingly. In the event that an I becomes an E, the Instructor of Record may submit a grade assignment form to replace the E within 12 months from the time the E was assigned. A graduate who had an I grade on his or her academic record at the time of graduation (and which grade was subsequently changed to an E by the Registrar) may be allowed a maximum of 12 months following the end of the academic term in which the course was taken to satisfactorily complete the course and receive a grade change.
Each department is responsible for recording information for each incomplete, specifying:
- The student name and student number;
- The course and section number, hours of credit, semester, year, Instructor of Record;
- The work to be completed and basis for grading;
- The time frame for completing the incomplete (not exceeding 12 months); and
- Documentation that the student has been advised of the conditions for removing the incomplete.
This information shall be filed with the department chair or chair’s designee. It is preferable that the information be signed and dated both by the student and the Instructor of Record. A standard form is available in a PDF form at the University Senate website, but each department is welcome to create its own form and scheme for recording this information. [US: 5/6/2013]
The Instructor of Record shall provide a complete copy of this record to the student and the department chair at the time the I grade is reported. The term "student" in this context excludes only students in the Graduate School and the Colleges of Medicine and Dentistry. [US: 9/14/87; US: 2/11/91]
I (Incomplete Grades) for Graduate Students [US: 3/10/97]
A grade of I (Incomplete) may be awarded to a graduate student if a part of the work of a course remains undone and there is a reasonable possibility that a passing grade will result from completion of the work. All Incompletes (I grades) must be replaced by a regular final letter grade within 12 months of the end of the academic term in which the I grade was awarded or prior to the student’s graduation, whichever occurs first. If an I grade has not been replaced within the allowable period, the Registrar shall change the I grade to a grade of E on the student's permanent academic record and adjust the student's grade-point average accordingly, unless otherwise approved because of exceptional circumstances by the Dean of the Graduate School on recommendation of the Director of Graduate Studies in the student’s program.
Instructors of Record who assign an I grade should file with the student’s Director of Graduate Studies information which includes 1) the name of the student, 2) the course number and hours of credit, 3) the semester and year of enrollment, 4) specific information on the work to be completed before a final grade can be assigned, and 5) the time frame in which the specific requirements are to be met (not to exceed 12 months). Graduate students are urged to consult with their Director of Graduate Studies concerning procedures relative to the awarding of “I” grades and the conditions under which they may be removed in that particular program.
5.1.2.3 Grade SI
A grade of SI is an interim grade in credit-bearing seminars, independent work courses, or research courses if these courses extend beyond the normal limits of a semester or summer session. All SI grades must be replaced by a regular final letter grade prior to the Qualifying Examination or Final Examination for doctoral students or prior to graduation in all other cases. [US: 1/14/02; US: 4/10/2006]
5.1.2.4 Grade IP
The grade IP may be recorded for students in zero-credit courses of research, independent work, or seminar-type, if at the end of a semester the student, because of the nature or size of the project, has been unable to complete the course. The project must be substantially continuous in its progress. When the work is completed, a final grade will be substituted for the IP. This grade may not be conferred on a student who has done unsatisfactory work or to one who has failed to do a reasonable amount of work. [US: 10/11/93]
5.1.2.5 Grade W
The grade W shall be conferred on students who officially withdraw from a class or classes under conditions described in Section 5.1.8. The University Appeals Board may also assign this grade. See also Section 6.5.1.3. [US: 10/8/79; US: 10/11/93; US: 1/14/2002]
5.1.2.6 Grade Z
The grade Z means that the student has made significant progress but needs and deserves more time to achieve a passing level. The student should reenroll in the course in order to continue advancement to a level of competence set for the course. Reenroll grades may be assigned only for development courses numbered 000-099. [US: 4/10/2000]