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Department of Psychology

Temporary or Incomplete Grades and Student Responsibility
Practicum: Psychology 3800

John T. Ault, Ph.D.
Last updated:

The Temporary, “T”, grade allows a student up to one year to complete the requirements for this course. At the end of one year the “T” is automatically changed to an “F” unless the professor sends the Registrar a change of grade.

Carrying a “T” grade does not affect a student’s grade point average. It may, however, affect financial aid if the student completes less than 12 credits during any given semester.

The temporary grade is especially good for courses like the practicum in which real world schedules often prevent students from completing all course requirements within the semester. The “T” grade, however, can also become a problem, especially for students who tend to procrastinate.

A too often scenario goes something like this: One day before the expiration of the year’s grace period I receive a call from a student asking what he/she needs to do to complete the course. The student has two or three classes to make up, has lost all class handouts, including how to write the papers, and still has not followed through with the field supervisor for the evaluation. The student wants me to figure out what class material was missed, fax needed forms and handouts, and first thing the next morning grade the three papers that he/she is going to write and e-mail overnight. This is totally unreasonable.

A worse scenario that also occurs too often is that the student simply does nothing and I spend hours trying to track the student, often to a new residence. This is also unreasonable.

With approximately 60 students in placements at all times the work of having to frequently prod students to finish, and of having to look up and remind students what still needs to be done, has become excessive. The intent of this form is to emphasize the student’s responsibility to follow through with completing course requirements.

Thus, in accepting the privilege of carrying a temporary grade the student also accepts the responsibility of completely all requirements of the course in a timely manner.

Your signature indicates that you have read this page and agree to responsibly follow through and complete all course requirements as soon as it is reasonably possible, but in no case later than one year from the date on this form. If you have questions, please ask for clarification before signing.

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