Incomplete Policy

The short version of the policy on the grade of "Incomplete" is the following:

The grade of I (Incomplete) is a conditional and temporary grade given when students

are currently passing a course, or
still have a reasonable chance of passing in the judgment of the instructor

but for non-academic reasons beyond their control have not completed a relatively small part of all requirements.

A grade of I is not intended for students who are failing the course or who have not completed a significant portion of the requirements. Also, a grade of I does not allow students to re-do past homework or exams to get a higher score, and it should not be used to give students students a "second chance" at the course in order to raise their grade.

Students are responsible for informing the instructor immediately of the reasons for not submitting an assignment on time or not taking an examination. Students should understand that the only way to have an I changed to a passing grade is to fulfill course requirements in accordance with the conditions specified by the instructor. Students must contact the instructor of the course in which they receive an I grade to make arrangements to complete the course requirements. After the course work is completed, the instructor will submit a change of grade form to change the I grade to the grade earned.

UCCS Policy

The student must ask for the incomplete grade. An incomplete grade is given only when students, for reasons beyond their control, have been unable to complete the course requirements. It is understood that a substantial amount of work must have been satisfactorily completed before approval for such a grade is given.

If an instructor decides to grant a request for an Incomplete (I) grade, the instructor sets the conditions whereby the coursework will be completed. The coursework must be completed within one academic year, but the instructor may also set less time than one year for completion. The student is expected to complete the requirements within the established deadline.

The instructor, with approval of the department, determines if the course should be retaken. If a course is retaken, the student must register for the course and pay the appropriate tuition.

The final grade (earned either by completing the course requirements or by retaking the course) does not result in deletion of the Incomplete (I) grade symbol from the transcript. A second entry is posted on the transcript to show the final grade for the course.

At the end of one year, an I grade that is not completed or repeated will be regraded as an F grade. (Students should be aware that I grades are automatically changed to F grades, without formal notification, when the one-year time allowance has passed.) Requests for an extension of time to complete the course beyond the one year deadline cannot be approved.

A grade of I is not included on the grade point average. However, once the I is replaced by a final grade (or converts to an F after the one-year time allowance has passed), then the final grade (or F) will be calculated in the student's grade point average.

Reference: Academic Policies, Course Registration, and Student Records on the UCCS Website, see the section on "Grading Policies".