As we near the end of the semester, we write to remind you of the X Grade policy for undergraduate students. X Grades are assigned in two circumstances: (1) to account for acute, unforeseen disruptions at the end of the semester; and (2) to provide additional time to investigate suspected violations of the University’s Academic Code of Honor that occur during the final weeks of the semester.
1 - Acute Unforeseen Disruptions
An X Grade is “given with the approval of the student's dean in extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student” (Undergraduate Academic Code, § 3.3.8). Extenuating circumstances are considered to be acute, unforeseen personal or medical emergencies that occur at the end of the semester (usually within the final two weeks) and which prevent a student from completing the final assignment(s) or exam of a course. An X Grade grants students a limited extension to submit work disrupted by the emergency.
Assignment of an X Grade requires (1) supporting documentation, (2) permission of the faculty member, and (3) approval of the student’s undergraduate dean.
Because the University does not have an “Incomplete” or “I” grade for undergraduates, students may not submit work for evaluation after the Registrar’s grade submission deadline unless an X Grade has been approved (Undergraduate Academic Code, § 3.3.2).
X Grade requests often require consultation with Sara Bea Accessibility Services and the submission and evaluation of care-provider documentation. If a student discloses an issue which may qualify for an X Grade, please contact the relevant undergraduate dean/collegiate advisor of the student’s degree-granting College (click here for Advisor Lookup app) as soon as possible. X Grades cannot be granted retroactively near or after the grade submission deadline.
2 - Suspected Academic Code of Honor Violations
If you suspect that a student has violated the Undergraduate Academic Code of Honor during an exam or assignment in the final weeks of the semester or during Final Exam Week and are unable to complete the relevant process (Educational Outcome Report, Honor Code Violation Report, or Honor Code Committee Hearing) before the grade-submission deadline (Monday, May 11; 3:45 p.m.), please contact the relevant undergraduate dean/collegiate advisor of the student’s degree-granting College (click here for Advisor Lookup app) as soon as possible. If you would like help or guidance with a suspected violation or Honor Code processes, please contact Ardea Russo, Director of Academic Standards, at russo.23@nd.edu.