I-Grade Info

Know About I-Grades?

There is a concerning lack of information circulating about I-Grades. I think there should be a basic level of information out there and with next week being I-Grade Awareness Week, what better time to talk about it?

What is an I-Grade?

I-Grade stands for “Incomplete Grade”. It has the effect of deferring a student’s exam(s) or coursework, until the student is able to take it/them on. Often this means that you can clear the grade during the repeat period the following August, however lecturers can also set you alternative coursework in the form of an essay, project, etc. instead of an exam in August.

Are there a finite number of I-Grade applications that you can make?

There is no maximum threshold of valid applications. You can make as many as you like, so long as each application is genuine. Note: the more I-Grades granted, the more modules that must be cleared in August. That could mean significant stress.

Only apply for an I-Grade if you genuinely need one. Abuse of this system only makes it harder for genuine cases.

Can I get an I-Grade (for physical illness) if I haven’t been seen by the University Medical Centre?

Yes. You can apply for an I-Grade with a medical certificate from your own GP. But the cert must be handed into the University Medical Centre within a specific timeframe.

Is there a time limit for application for an I-Grade?

Yes. You have a number of days (usually five) from the day your last exam took place, in which to apply. There is a method of appeal in extreme circumstances.

DON’T PANIC! YOUR SU IS HERE TO HELP YOU

What if I can’t sit my exams and it’s not my fault?

IF a student is sick, bereaved or in poor mental health during exams, then the University has the power to grant an I-Grade.

I-Grades are only given in severe circumstances. However, this should not deter you from applying, if you feel you really need one. If you don’t know how to go about applying for an I-Grade, read on.

Illness

If you are ill and have been seen by your own GP, medical certs from that doctor must be presented to the UL Medical Centre for applications and approval. Alternatively, if you present at the Medical Centre with symptoms, your I-Grade application can be processed there. Once you appear there or contact the centre, the staff can talk you through the steps necessary in order to obtain an I-Grade. The Medical Centre can be contacted on 061 202534.

Mental Health

For mental health issues, contact Student Counselling on 061 202327. There is an application process, which can be explained to you on arrival/contact. I-Grades will not be given for exam-related stress, but for diagnosed mental health issues.

Bereavement

For bereavements contact Fr Koenraad Van Gucht, your UL Chaplain. As with all I-Grade applications, there is a process, which Fr Koenraad can talk you through. He can be contacted on koenraad.vangucht@ul.ie or on 061 202180 (on-campus) or 061 330268 (off-campus).

The Students’ Union or PSA can also be contacted to assist you with I-Grades. Undergraduate students contact aoife.finnerty@ul.ie or 086 0435302 or consult Aoife’s section on the ULSU website, www.ulsu.ie. Postgraduate students can contact Dan, the PSA President on psapresident@ul.ie.