U of M Considers Shorter Incomplete Coursework Period

MINNEAPOLIS -- University of Minnesota administrators and faculty are
considering shortening the deadline for incomplete coursework to six months in
order to boost graduation and retention rates.

The current policy gives students one year to finish work required to change incompletes, which are assigned instead of a failing grade when students can't finish coursework due to
extraordinary circumstances.

Michael Anderson, director of the university's College of Continuing Education,
says he's noticed students have a harder time finishing incompletes after six
months because they're removed from the coursework or forget about makeup
assignments.

Stacey Tidball, director of continuity and compliance for the university's
academic support resources department, says the one-year policy may discourage
students from finishing the work on time to complete their degree in four years.

Tidball is currently running feedback sessions on the policy.