Incomplete Grades

An incomplete (I) grade indicates that the student did not complete the requirements for a class by the end of the grading period for that semester. Requests for incomplete grades must be initiated by the student and only when, for reasons beyond their control, the student is unable to complete the class requirements within the semester of enrollment. At least two-thirds of coursework must have been satisfactorily completed (with a passing grade) before an incomplete grade is considered or approved by an instructor.

If an instructor grants a request for an incomplete grade, the instructor sets the conditions under which the coursework can be completed and the time limit for its completion (up to one year). Incomplete grades, along with a last date of attendance (for financial aid purposes) must be submitted by the grading deadline of the term. The requirements and deadlines to resolve the incomplete grade must also be recorded in an Incomplete Grade Agreement form.

If the student does not complete the class requirements within one year from the end of the semester in which the incomplete grade was assigned, it is converted to a failing (F) or unsatisfactory (U) grade, regardless of whether the student re-enrolls in the same course within that time period ().

For graduating students, incomplete grades assigned in courses required for a degree must be resolved before degrees may be posted. Unresolved incomplete grades in required coursework will result in graduation being postponed to a later degree conferral date. In such cases, students must reapply for graduation in a subsequent term. Degrees will not be conferred retroactively to the term in which the incomplete grade was originally assigned. If incomplete grades assigned in courses not required for a degree are not resolved by the grading deadline of the term of graduation, the incomplete grades become permanent and subsequent grade changes are not honored.

Incomplete Grade FAQs

  • ‘Substantial’ amount of work is clarified as approximately two-thirds of coursework (with a passing grade) as determined by the instructor.
  • Reenrollment is no longer a means to resolve an Incomplete grade. Instead, the student must complete the outstanding coursework and receive a final grade from the instructor within the prescribed resolution period.
  • Incomplete grades are no longer made permanent if a student chooses to reenroll.
  • The notation "Originally graded as Incomplete" will no longer appear on official transcripts.

These changes apply to Incomplete Grades assigned in fall 2026 semester and later.

Instructors can request extended Canvas course access by contacting the Information Technology Service Center (ITSC) at oithelp@colorado.eduÌýor 303-735-4357. Extended access can be provided to one or more students when the course end date is approaching or has already passed, without extending access for the rest of the class. When making a request, include the student name(s) and ID(s), course information, and the date through which the student(s) should retain access.

Yes. Instructors are asked to complete and submit anÌýIncomplete Grade form that outlines the outstanding work for the student to complete to receive a final grade. It also allows an instructor to set a deadline for the missing work to be submitted (not to exceed one year). This ensures the student and instructor are in alignment on what needs to be completed and by when.Ìý

Recording this information on an Incomplete form also ensures the department chair has the necessary information to continue working with a student in the event the instructor leaves Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder after assigning the Incomplete grade.