The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) allows the following grades to be given for coursework:
A: Superior work of the highest standard, mastery of the topic
B+: Very good work, substantially better than the minimum standard, very good knowledge of the topic
B: Good work, better than the minimum standard, good knowledge of the topic
C+: Minimum standard work, adequate knowledge of the topic
C: Work barely meeting the minimum standard, barely adequate knowledge of the topic
F: Wholly inadequate work
IN: Incomplete
NOTE : Temporary incompletes are not allowed.
For Dissertation
Research credits, which are taken after the qualifying examination has been passed, the grades are:
S: Satisfactory
U: Unsatisfactory
SGS allows 9 credits offered in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the doctorate (and for which letter grades have been given) to bear grades of C or C+ (with no more than 6 credits with the grade of C). However, it is generally considered unacceptable to receive a C or C+ in this
program--and students who do so may be advised to consider withdrawing from the program.
Policy on Incomplete Grades
In general, faculty and students are strongly discouraged from granting or requesting incompletes in a course; they should only be given when circumstances beyond the control of the student necessitate additional time for completion of assignments. When an incomplete grade is given, the incomplete work may be made up, and a change of grade may be authorized by the instructor within a period of time agreed to by both parties up to two semesters after the original course registration (excluding Summer Session). Incomplete grades generated in a Summer Session must be completed by the end of the following Summer Session.
Any student who has more than one incomplete will be
allowed one semester to reduce the number to one (or none). After which, they will not be allowed to register for additional courses until these are completed or "abandoned." ("Abandoned" refers to a situation in which the student has agreed that the course may no longer be completed and the program has agreed to allow the student to continue with permanent incompletes on his or her record.)
If students need to take a semester or year off (for illness, family illness, pregnancy, or other personal reasons), they need to contact the program office for matriculation continued or formal leave of absence request. Failure to do either of these will result in a reinstatement fee imposed by SGS for one research credit per semester.
Ph.D. Program in Communication, Information, and Media 
