Kansas State University

Grading Policy

University Handbook, F80-F93

The university uses the following grades:

Incomplete grades earned prior to F18:

The grade of Incomplete (I) is given in regular courses (other than independent studies, research, and problems) upon request of the student for personal emergencies that are verifiable. The faculty member has the responsibility to provide written notification to the student of work required to remove the incomplete. The student has the responsibility to take the initiative in completing the work, and is expected to make up the incomplete during the first term in residence after receiving the grade of I. If the student does not make up the incomplete during the first term in residence at the university after receiving it, a grade may be given by the faculty member without further consultation with the student. The instructor of record may fill out special access for students who need continued access to complete coursework.

If after the end of the first term the I remains on the record it will be designated as F for record-keeping purposes and will be computed in the student's GPA, weighted at 0 points per credit. A grade of NR will be treated in a like manner using the designation F.

Incomplete grades earned F18 or later:

The grade of incomplete is a temporary grade given at the discretion of the faculty upon request of the student. An incomplete grade is appropriate when verifiable circumstances beyond the student’s control prevent completion of course requirements by the grade submission deadline, and the student was engaged and participating in the class prior to the circumstances that prevented completion of course requirements. The grade of incomplete is not to be used to avoid assigning a poor grade that results from unsatisfactory academic work.

In most instances, the requirements for completion of a course are detailed in the original course syllabus. It is in the student’s best interest to confirm in writing with the faculty member the remaining requirements to be completed in order to replace the grade of incomplete. If the faculty member requires anything other than the syllabus requirements or chooses to have a time frame for completion other than the end of the next regular term, the faculty member must provide written notification to the student. A sample notification form is available on the Registrar’s website. Typically, requiring student participation in the entire course in a subsequent semester without enrolling is not an appropriate means to satisfy requirements for the incomplete.

Incompletes are expected to be finished by the conclusion of the next regular academic term (fall or spring), or the student’s graduation term – whichever is earlier. Any incomplete remaining after the next regular term is reassigned to an F (regardless of student’s enrollment status) and will be computed in the student's GPA, weighted at 0 points per credit. The instructor of record may fill out special access for students who need continued access to complete coursework.

In extreme cases, a student may be granted an extension of an incomplete beyond the next regular term. To request such an extension, the student must complete with appropriate signatures the Incomplete Extension Request Form, and submit the form to the academic dean of the student’s college. The incomplete extension form can be found on the Registrar’s website.

Undergraduate research courses, internship courses, theses, dissertations, directed research courses, and other courses with the “IH” grading option are exempt from the one regular term limit for completion.

A student with incompletes will only be cleared for graduation if receiving Fs in every incomplete class earned Fall 2018 or later will satisfy the requirements for graduation. Upon approval for graduation, all grades of incomplete earned Fall 2018 or later remaining on the record will be changed to grades of F.

Courses in which a Cr or P grade is received will be used in fulfilling graduation requirements. Only the grades A, B, C, D and F (and the designations IX and NX under conditions described above) are used in calculating resident grade averages.

For each term unit of graded work, students earn points, as follows:

• A = 4.0
• B = 3.0
• C = 2.0
• D = 1.0
• F = 0
• IX = 0
• NX = 0

Beginning in Spring 2012, all Grades of "F" (Fail) and/or "NC" (No Credit) will require a Yes/No statement as to the student's participation in Academic-related activity. This statement is required due to federal mandate regarding the issuance of federal financial aid. For a definition, refer to the Academic-related activity page.

Effective May 2012, Grade Changes will be submitted directly in KSIS from the Request Grade Change link found on the grade roster. Grade Change Rosters will remain open for five years from the original posting date to submit changes. On-line changes to certain grades such as "W" and "XF" will not be allowed, nor to grades related to a completed program of a graduated student. Any changes not accommodated by the on line method must be handled by submitting a Grade Change Memorandum form to the Dean of the College.