Incomplete Grade Policy

Current Policy thru Spring/Summer semester courses, 2026:

  1. An "Incomplete" (denoted on the transcript by the symbol I) may be given by an instructor only if the work is unfinished for reasons acceptable to the instructor.
  2. The unfinished work that resulted in an incomplete grade must be submitted within one year (12 months) of the time when the grade was given. If an Incomplete is given in the Fall term, the coursework must be submitted by the last day of the following Fall term. If an Incomplete is given in the Winter term, the coursework must be submitted by the last day of the following Winter term.
  3. Based on University policy, the "I" is not removed when the course is completed but remains on the transcript. For example, if a "B" grade is earned, the grade will appear on the transcript as an "IB".
  4. An "I" grade will lapse to an "E", if the unfinished work is not submitted by the required deadline described in the previous paragraph. In such cases, no degree credit is earned and the course is then computed as an "E" in the term and cumulative grade point averages.

*Exceptions to this policy require approval of the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Practice. Requests for exceptions must be made in writing by the student and signed by the faculty instructor.

Updated Incomplete Policy will be effective Fall Semester, 2026:

Summary: 
An "Incomplete" (denoted on the transcript by the symbol "I") may be reported only if the amount of unfinished work is small, the work is unfinished for reasons acceptable to the instructor, and the student's standing in the course is at least "C-". An "I" grade not finished by the incomplete deadline or an approved extended deadline lapses to "ILE". This policy applies to students in the School of Public Health BA/BS, MPH, and MHSA degree programs.  While MS & PhD students fall under Rackham’s policy, we strongly suggest that faculty and students use this policy as a guideline for the handling of similar situations.


Incompletes: 
Students who find themselves unable to finish all of the assignments for a course before the end of the term may request a grade of Incomplete from the instructor. The instructor is under no obligation to grant this request, and should only grant it if: 

  • the student has already finished about 75% of the work
  • the student’s current grade in the course is at least "C-" 

Instructors, at their discretion, may grant an incomplete if a student doesn’t meet the above criteria, but should only do so if the student can reasonably complete the work within seven weeks of the end of the term in which the incomplete was given.  


If the instructor agrees to give an incomplete, the student will have up to seven weeks (timeline determined by the instructor) from the last day of the term of the course to make up the work.  For example, if an Incomplete is given in the Fall term, the coursework must be submitted by the deadline set by the faculty member, no later than seven weeks from the last day of classes in the Fall term. If the instructor has not submitted a grade for the student by 10 days past the deadline, the incomplete will lapse to an "ILE". 


If the instructor determines a timeline of less than 7 weeks is appropriate, the student must make up the work by that deadline.   This deadline may not be longer than the maximum of 7 weeks without approval by the Senior Associate Dean for Education (petition process described below.


An “I” grade will lapse to an “E” if the unfinished work is not submitted by the required deadline described in the previous paragraph. In such cases, no degree credit is earned, and the course is then computed as an “E” in the term and cumulative grade point averages. Unfinished courses elected on a non-graded pattern (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, Pass/Fail, Credit/No Credit) lapse to "Fail or "No Credit" but do not affect the term or cumulative grade point averages. 


If the student does complete the work within the allowed period, the “I” is not removed when the course is completed, but remains on the transcript. For example, if a “B” grade is earned, the grade will appear on the transcript as “IB”. The "I" grade does not affect the term or cumulative grade point averages. Any grade changes made to the student record as a result of Incompletes being completed or lapsed will result in re-evaluation of a student’s academic record and may result in changes to their academic standing. 


Note about Graduation Impact: If a student has an Incomplete in the term they are expected to graduate, the student will need to complete the work by the degree conferral date. If the work is not complete and the grade is not posted, the student will need to reapply for the following degree conferral term. 


Exceptions to this policy require approval of the Senior Associate Dean for Education. Petitions for exceptions must be made in writing by the student and signed by the faculty instructor, or may be made directly by the faculty member themselves.  Exception petitions may not extend the reconciliation period to be longer than 12 months from the end of the term in which the course was registered.