Some college courses extend beyond one semester. In such a case, a student must complete all required semesters before he may receive a final grade. Thus, after the student finishes the first semester, he is given a grade of IP so as to indicate that there is still more coursework to complete. Upon finishing the final semester, the grade will be converted to a standard one.
A grade of IP is also given to those students who were previously in attendance and completed the work required of them prior to becoming ill. Various colleges handle this situation differently. Some colleges require the student to complete the required coursework before a deadline. Others demand that the student retake the entire course in its entirety. Speak with your school officials if you're unsure how to proceed.
Some colleges permit students to request an extension of an IP deadline in the case of extenuating circumstances, such as a severe illness. The petition must be approved by the instructor, as well as some general council, such as a Committee on Academic Review. Only one extension may be granted.
An incomplete grade that is never converted eventually turns into a grade of 0.0, or an F. Multiple incomplete grades can render a student in academic probation and make him ineligible for the Dean's List. It is typically up to the student to rectify an incomplete grade by speaking with his professor. Keep in mind that incomplete grades can prevent you from graduating.