Faculty Guide to an Incomplete Grade Agreement
An incomplete grade agreement is a formal arrangement between a student and a faculty member that allows the student additional time to complete course requirements due to extenuating circumstances. It serves as a tool to support students while maintaining academic standards. Please see the Incomplete Grade Academic Policy in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Common Situations Warranting an Incomplete Grade Agreement:
- Personal Emergencies: Events such as a severe illness, a death in the family, or a natural disaster.
- Accessibility Related: Disabilities (e.g., learning, physical, or mental health-related) that significantly impede course completion.
- Military Service: Unexpected deployment or active duty requirements.
- Additional Responsibilities: Challenges like balancing jobs, family caregiving, or other pressing commitments outside school.
Incomplete Grade Agreements offer students facing extraordinary challenges a pathway to success. In most instances, but not all, the student has a life stressor that impacts academic progress after the course withdrawal deadline. By allowing additional time to complete coursework, faculty can provide compassionate solutions without compromising academic progress. In some instances, Student Services may reach out to advocate on the student's behalf for an Incomplete Grade. However, faculty can provide incompletes at their discretion when there are documented circumstances that warrant extensions.
Benefits of Incomplete Grade Agreements:
- Avoiding Course Failure: Due to the extenuating circumstances, this can aid in prevention of academic setbacks for students and impacting pathway to graduation.
- Reducing Stress: Provides necessary time to complete coursework, alleviating pressure.
- Fostering Positive Relationships: Demonstrates faculty commitment to student success and builds trust.
If you are a faculty member and you are considering using an Incomplete Grade Agreement, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Legitimacy: Ensure the student's request stems from valid, documented circumstances.
- Defined Timeline: Set a clear deadline for coursework completion, adhering to institutional policies.
- Collaborative Planning: Work with the student to develop a feasible and specific plan for fulfilling course requirements.
If you have any questions about incomplete grade agreements, please contact [email protected]. If you decide you would like to offer an Incomplete Grade for a student, please contact [email protected].