Incompletes
Q: My son was ill during the second half of the semester and needs more time to complete his course work. What are his options?
A: If a student has fallen behind in one or more classes for legitimate reasons , he/she may request an incomplete to complete the course work. All requests for incompletes in Arts and Sciences courses must be addressed to the Dean of Studies.
Q: What is an educational incomplete?
A: During his/her career at Oberlin, a student may have a maximum of two incompletes in Arts and Sciences courses—authorized by the course instructor—for educational reasons. Educational incomplete forms (available beginning the first Monday in December for Fall semester and the first Monday in May for Spring semester) must be completed, signed by the course instructor, and returned to the Office of the Dean of Studies by the time of the scheduled final for the course. The incomplete work is due within three weeks after the end of the semester. The due date may not be extended except for emergency reasons. Please note that an instructor may say no to a request for an educational incomplete. Educational incompletes are not available in Conservatory courses.
Q: What is an emergency incomplete?
A: Emergency incompletes may be authorized by the Dean of Studies for reasons that arise from circumstances beyond the student's control. These incompletes are usually for medical, psychological, or life-crisis reasons and must be requested before the scheduled final for the course. Incompletes for medical reasons require a letter from a doctor or a special form completed by a member of the Student Health Services staff. The due date for finishing work is set according to how much time was lost during the semester, up to a maximum of three weeks after the end of the semester.
Q: What if my son needs more than three weeks to complete the course work?
A: The due date for work under either kind of incomplete may be extended for emergency reasons only. If work is not completed within the specified time, a grade will be recorded based on the extent to which the course requirements have been met. Additional incompletes (beyond two) for educational reasons may also be authorized by the Dean of Studies, but only under very exceptional circumstances.