An "In Progress" (IP) grade is a temporary mark on your academic record indicating that a course or academic activity is currently ongoing and has not yet reached its completion. It serves as a placeholder until all requirements are met and a final, permanent grade can be assigned.
Understanding the 'In Progress' (IP) Grade
When you see an 'IP' grade, it means the course or program you're enrolled in is designed to span beyond a single grading period, such as a quarter or semester. This grade prevents an incomplete or failing mark from appearing prematurely on your transcript while you are still actively working towards the course's objectives.
- Placeholder Nature: The IP grade explicitly states that the work is not yet finished but is actively being pursued. It is not a final grade and does not carry credit or factor into your Grade Point Average (GPA) until it is resolved.
- Conversion: Eventually, an IP grade will be converted into a standard letter grade (like A, B, C, P/NP, F) or another appropriate final mark once the course sequence concludes and all assessments are completed.
Common Scenarios for an IP Grade
The 'In Progress' grade is typically used in specific academic situations where the nature of the coursework extends beyond the traditional single-term structure.
- Multi-Term Courses: Many advanced courses, especially those involving research, theses, dissertations, or extensive projects, are structured to last more than one academic term. An IP grade might be given at the end of the first term to indicate that the work is continuing into the next.
- Example: A two-semester senior thesis project might show an 'IP' grade at the end of the first semester, which then converts to a final letter grade upon completion of the second semester.
- Longitudinal Programs: Certain professional or graduate programs, such as medical degrees (MD programs) or other clinical residencies, involve continuous, multi-year modules or rotations. An 'IP' grade can be used to reflect the ongoing participation and learning in these extended, integrated curricula.
- Example: A medical student in a multi-year clinical rotation might receive 'IP' grades periodically until the entire longitudinal sequence of that specific rotation is finished.
- Extended Projects or Practicums: Internships, externships, practicums, or capstone projects that require significant time and effort spanning multiple academic periods may also receive an IP grade.
How and When IP Grades are Resolved
The resolution of an 'In Progress' grade is a crucial step in formalizing your academic record.
- Course Completion: The IP grade remains on your record until the entire course sequence or program segment for which it was assigned is fully completed.
- Final Evaluation: Once all requirements, assignments, exams, and projects for the extended course are submitted and evaluated, the instructor will assign a final grade.
- Grade Conversion: The Registrar's office or equivalent academic department will then process this final grade, replacing the 'IP' on your transcript. This final grade will then count towards your earned credits and GPA.
- Note: The timeframe for conversion can vary by institution and course structure. It's important to understand the specific policies of your university.
Impact on Academic Records
Initially, an 'In Progress' grade has a unique impact on your academic standing:
- No GPA Calculation: An 'IP' grade generally does not count towards your GPA calculation while it's in progress. It signifies incomplete work, not unsatisfactory work.
- Credit Hours: While a course with an 'IP' grade might be listed with its associated credit hours, these hours are usually not considered "earned" until the final grade is posted.
- Academic Standing: An 'IP' grade typically doesn't negatively impact your academic standing (e.g., probation) because it's understood as part of a planned, extended curriculum. However, failure to convert the 'IP' to a final grade within an institution's specified timeframe could lead to it reverting to an 'F' or 'NC' (No Credit), which would affect your standing.
Practical Insights
- Check Policies: Always refer to your institution's official Academic Grading Policies or Student Records & Grades for precise details on IP grades, including conversion timelines and potential consequences if not resolved. (Please note: these links are placeholders and should be replaced with actual reputable university registrar pages if available.)
- Communicate with Faculty: Maintain open communication with your instructors regarding the progress of your multi-term courses.
- Monitor Your Transcript: Regularly check your unofficial transcript to ensure that 'IP' grades are converted to final grades in a timely manner after course completion.
In essence, an 'In Progress' grade is a clear signal that your academic journey in a particular subject is continuing, with a final evaluation awaiting its proper conclusion.
