Incomplete Coursework and Failing Grades

University Policy

Graduate Medical Sciences Policy

Incomplete Grades

An incomplete grade (I) is granted when a student cannot complete course requirements on time due to extenuating circumstances. A student may be required to provide proof of the circumstances.

An incomplete grade may be granted with the condition that the student will complete the coursework on their own and within a specific and mutually agreed-upon time frame. In no case can that time frame exceed more than one (1) year (twelve months) from the time the incomplete grade is assigned.

Course managers may not grant an incomplete grade as an alternative to submitting a poor or failing grade. In the event that a student does not complete coursework or make a timely request for an incomplete grade, the course manager must assign a grade.

If the incomplete coursework is not completed by the required completion date, a final grade of “F” will be entered by the GMS registrar. Receipt of an “F” grade is preventable only if the student successfully presents evidence to the Associate Provost for GMS that further time is warranted. The evidence must be presented at least one (1) month prior to the required course completion date.

An incomplete grade form must be completed and signed by the instructor and student and submitted to the GMS Registrar’s Office.

Dispute Resolution Process

A concern or complaint from a GMS student should be directed to the persons whose actions or inactions have given rise to the concern or complaint. Whenever possible, every effort should be made to resolve the problem promptly at the level at which it occurred. If a student feels they have been unfairly treated by a GMS course manager or teaching assistant, the student should contact the chair or director of the department or program in which the course is housed. If the department chair or program director is the course manager, the student should seek assistance from the Associate Provost for GMS. Should the student need additional assistance, they may also see staff in the Boston University Office of the Ombuds.

Conditions and Consequences of Repeating a Course

Grades for every course in which a student registers, including repeated courses, will appear on the student’s transcript. The credits from courses in which the student fails to achieve the minimum grade of B– are not counted toward the credit requirement for graduation, but the grade is factored into the student’s overall grade point average.

Students repeating courses are strongly encouraged to contact the Student Financial Services office to verify their financial aid eligibility prior to the start of the semester.

Failing Grades

Grades of C+ or lower are failing grades. A student receiving such grades in total of eight (8) credit hours will be automatically dismissed from GMS. Additionally, credits for any class in which a student earns a grade of C+ or lower will not be counted toward total earned credits.