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Purpose: The National Louis University (NLU) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) Program recognizes that unforeseen circumstances may temporarily prevent a student from completing all required course activities by the end of an academic term. This policy establishes the procedures for requesting, approving, completing, and resolving an Incomplete ("I") grade while maintaining the academic integrity of the curriculum and ensuring compliance with University policies and ARC-PA accreditation standards. The PA Program adheres to the National Louis University Academic Catalog regarding Incomplete grades. Where appropriate, this policy provides additional program-specific requirements necessary to support academic progression within a cohort-based professional curriculum.
Website:
www.nlupaprogram.com
Effective Date:
11/1/2026
Last Reviewed:
11/1/2026
Policy Statement:
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program
Incomplete Grade ("I") Policy
Effective Date: ____________________
Responsible Office: Program Director and PA Faculty
Review Cycle: Annually
Related ARC-PA Standards: A3.01, A3.15, A3.17, A3.19, B3.01, B3.02, C1.01, C1.02
Policy Statement
An Incomplete ("I") grade is a temporary designation assigned when a student has demonstrated satisfactory academic progress but is unable to complete a limited portion of required coursework due to documented circumstances beyond the student's reasonable control.
Examples may include:
Serious illness or injury
•
Family emergency
•
Military obligation
•
Bereavement
•
• Other extraordinary circumstances approved by the Program Director
An Incomplete grade is not intended to replace poor academic performance, inadequate preparation, excessive absences, or failure to complete coursework resulting from preventable circumstances. Assignment of an Incomplete grade is not automatic and remains at the discretion of the Course Director, following consultation with the Program Director or designated academic administrator.
Eligibility
To be considered for an Incomplete grade, a student must generally:
• Have successfully completed at least 75% of the course requirements .
• Be earning a passing grade at the time the request is made.
• Have demonstrated satisfactory academic engagement and professionalism.
• Have a reasonable expectation of successfully completing the remaining coursework.
• Experience documented circumstances beyond the student's control that prevent completion of the remaining course requirements. Students who are failing a course at the time of the request are generally not eligible for an Incomplete grade unless exceptional circumstances exist and approval is granted by the Program Director.
Approval Process
Requests for an Incomplete grade should be initiated as soon as the student becomes aware of the circumstances affecting course completion.
Approval requires consultation among:
Student
•
Course Director
•
Program Director (or designee)
•
The Course Director shall determine whether the remaining course requirements can be completed without compromising course learning outcomes, competency assessment, or student progression.
When appropriate, supporting documentation may be requested.
Completion Agreement
Prior to assigning an Incomplete grade, the student and Course Director shall develop a written Completion Agreement that includes:
• Remaining assignments, examinations, laboratory activities, or clinical requirements
Required methods of assessment
•
Deadlines for completion
•
Grading criteria
•
• Consequences of failing to complete the required work
• Required remediation, if applicable
The Completion Agreement shall be maintained in the student's academic record.
Timeframe for Completion
Unless otherwise specified by University policy or approved by the Program Director, students shall complete all remaining coursework within 90 calendar days after the assignment of the Incomplete grade.
The Course Director may establish an earlier completion deadline when necessary to:
Maintain cohort progression
•
Protect sequential learning
•
• Preserve prerequisite requirements
• Ensure timely completion of clinical education
Failure to complete required coursework by the approved deadline will result in conversion of the Incomplete grade in accordance with University grading policies and may affect progression in the PA curriculum.
Impact on Academic Progression
Because the MSPAS curriculum is competency-based and sequential, an Incomplete grade may delay progression to subsequent courses or Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs). Students may not progress into courses requiring successful completion of prerequisite coursework until all prerequisite requirements have been satisfied. The Student Evaluation and Progress Committee (SEPC) shall review any progression concerns related to unresolved Incomplete grades and make recommendations to the Program Director regarding continued enrollment, remediation, or delayed progression.
Student Responsibilities
Students receiving an Incomplete grade are responsible for:
• Maintaining communication with the Course Director.
• Completing all remaining assignments by the established deadline.
• Participating in required remediation activities.
• Meeting all Program progression requirements.
• Monitoring University communications regarding academic status.
Failure to maintain communication or complete required coursework may result in academic consequences consistent with University and Program policies.
Faculty Responsibilities
The Course Director shall:
• Evaluate eligibility for an Incomplete grade.
• Consult with the Program Director before assigning the grade.
• Develop a written Completion Agreement.
Monitor student progress.
•
Evaluate completed coursework.
•
• Submit the final course grade upon completion of all requirements.
Faculty shall apply this policy consistently and equitably while maintaining academic standards and program integrity.
University Submission Process
After approval, the Course Director shall submit the Incomplete grade using the National Louis University electronic grading system.
Faculty shall:
1. Log into the National Louis University Portal.
2. Navigate to Faculty & Staff .
3. Select Employee Services .
4. Access I Grade Submission .
5. Complete the University's electronic Incomplete Grade form in accordance with current University procedures. Faculty should consult the current National Louis University Academic Catalog for the most current University requirements regarding Incomplete grades and grade submission procedures.
Appeals
Students who disagree with decisions regarding an Incomplete grade may utilize the Program's Academic Grievance Procedure and, when applicable, the National Louis University Academic Appeal process as described in the Student Guidebook and Academic Catalog.
Continuous Quality Improvement
The PA Faculty and Staff Committee, Student Evaluation and Progress Committee, and Curriculum and Outcomes Review Committee review aggregate data related to Incomplete grades annually as part of the Program's Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process.
Data reviewed include:
• Number of Incomplete grades awarded
Courses involved
•
Completion rates
•
Time to completion
•
Student progression outcomes
•
Graduation rates
•
Attrition
•
Remediation outcomes
•
Student success measures
•
Recommendations resulting from these reviews are incorporated into annual curriculum evaluation, academic policy revisions, faculty development, and student support initiatives.
Evidence for ARC-PA Self-Study
This policy provides evidence supporting compliance with the following ARC-PA Standards:
ARC-PA Standard
Evidence of Compliance
Published student academic policies that are applied fairly and consistently.
A3.15
Policies governing student evaluation, academic progression, and academic standing.
A3.17
A3.19
Published policies describing student rights, due process, and appeals.
Systematic evaluation of student achievement of course and program competencies.
B3.01
Fair, valid, and documented assessment and progression decisions based on established academic standards.
B3.02
Annual review of Incomplete grade trends, remediation, progression, and student success metrics through the Program's CQI process.
C1.01
ARC-PA Standard
Evidence of Compliance
Use of assessment data to evaluate policy effectiveness and implement continuous improvements to student support and academic progression.
C1.02
Definitions: N/A
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