Incomplete procedure

This page reflects the new university policy regarding INCs effective September 1, 2017.

To request an Incomplete (INC) in a course, you need to follow the 'Verification of Illness' procedure. Make sure you show your instructor all the relevant documentation necessary to make an informed decision. An INC will not be granted without proper documentation. The instructor will make the final decision on all INC requests.

You should also review the university process for INC grades.

Is there a deadline for requesting an INC?

Requests to your instructor must be made within 48 hours of your missed final exam.

If you cannot contact your course instructor or the instructor has left the university and is unreachable, you should contact the course coordinator (for multi section courses) or the department/school offering the course. If you are unable to find the appropriate person to contact, the MUO will be able connect you to an appropriate person who will make a decision on your INC request.

What type of documents do I need?

The University of Waterloo Verification of Illness Form (VIF) (PDF) is normally the only acceptable medical documentation.

If you attend another medical location off campus you must provide the VIF to the physician for completion.

We may accept other illness documentation if all information from the VIF is covered in the off campus paperwork.

When will I complete my INC?

This will be determined by your instructor, but you will probably be expected to write the exam the next time the course is offered and you are on a study term. University policy requires that the INC be resolved within one year of the fully graded date of the term in which you took the course.

Failure to write scheduled make-up tests, exams or submit outstanding course work by the end of the instructor-specified lapse period will result in a final course grade being posted to Quest that is the earned grade, based on all completed course element(s). If the course outline specifies that the missing coursework is required to pass the course, the lesser of the earned grade or 4% less than the passing grade will be posted to Quest.

What kinds of INC requests are granted?

A grade of INC is awarded to a student who has done course work during the term well enough that they could reasonably be expected to earn a passing mark in the course, but, was unable to complete end-of-term course requirements (usually the final exam) for reasons beyond their control.

If a student is unable to finish a course because of problems earlier in the term, they should consult an academic advisor. This is not grounds for making an INC request.

What you should be aware of if an INC is granted.

Following the assignment of an INC grade you will be contacted by the Math Undergraduate Office (MUO) and asked to confirm that you intend to clear your INC in a given term. You must respond to the MUO by their stated deadline and they will then grant you access to the LEARN site. This will give you access to the current course material that you will be examined on.

If you are granted a grade of INC in a course, you will not be allowed to enrol in a subsequent course that requires the INC course as a prerequisite.

The total unit weight of INC courses and the courses enrolled for the current term may not normally exceed 3.25 units. If an INC will not be completed in the current term because the course is not offered, you may obtain permission from an academic advisor to exceed this limit. Once the Instructor has granted you an 'INC' grade and submitted the form to the Registrar's Office, you will receive an email outlining your course completion details.