Dear UM Instructors,
When you submit final spring grades in CyberBear, you will find a new feature.
If you assign an incomplete grade, you will be prompted for the alternate grade and extension deadline for that student.
Step-by-step instructions follow, but for those who like to just jump in and try...
TAKE NOTE! To reduce technical issues, enter and save all grades except incompletes first. Then, work through the incompletes one by one.
Or, if you prefer, you can use the Export Spreadsheet .xls function to export your final grade roster from CyberBear into a spreadsheet which will include the new fields for Alternate Grade and Extension Deadline. Once you've entered your grades and all required fields, import it back into CyberBear.
Why is this a new requirement?
A few reasons. These new fields allow you to keep track of this information inside your final grade roster so that you can easily refer back to it later. It also allows the Registrar's Office to update unfulfilled incomplete grades in a much more timely and efficient manner. The main goal is to help keep UM compliant with federal financial aid and Veteran's Affairs regulations.
Thank you!
Registrar's Office Team
INCOMPLETE GRADE INSTRUCTIONS
This feature lets you record the grade that should be assigned if the student doesn't complete any additional work in the course by the deadline you set.
You may enter grades one by one, or you may import grades from a spreadsheet. Visit the Final Grade Entry website and follow the step-by-step instructions for one of the following options:
- Manual Grade Entry
- Import Spreadsheet or Moodle Grades
If you manually enter grades, first enter all other grades except for Incompletes. This will reduce technical issues.
- Enter the last date of attendance for the student you want to assign the incomplete grade.
- Choose the I grade from the dropdown menu; this will immediately push you to a new tab labeled "Incomplete Grades."
- Enter the alternate grade. This is the student's current grade in the class if they do not complete any additional work. The alternate grade will be automatically assigned if the incomplete is not updated by the extension date.
The default alternate grade is F. Be sure to update this grade if the student has done enough work to earn a D- or better. This can be really important in future financial aid or graduation scenarios.
- Shorten the extension date if you choose. This is the deadline you set for the student to finish the remaining work. UM policy allows up to one year, so you may shorten the date, but you cannot add more time.
The default date is approximately one year in the future.
- Click the Save button.
- Toggle back to your roster on the far left to enter any remaining I grades one at a time.
Not sure whether to assign an N or I grade?
As described in the , an I grade is appropriate for unfinished work and an N grade is appropriate for internships, thesis credits, practicums, etc.
- I (incomplete) grades are appropriate when a student has been in regular attendance and passing for a majority of the class meeting but is unable to finish within the semester for reasons acceptable to you.
I grades will convert to the alternate grade if the work remains incomplete after the agreed deadline. While I grades may be temporarily unfavorable for future terms of Financial Aid eligibility, they are appropriately assigned in most courses.
- N (continuing) grades are much less common and nuanced. They should only be used for courses in which the work is designed to span more than one semester (e.g., thesis credits, research).
N grades should not be assigned for standard undergraduate courses, except in cases of pending academic misconduct.
Questions? Need help?
Check out the Final Grade Entry website or call us at (406)243-5600. We are available to assist Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mountain)