When an academic integrity case isn’t resolved by the time final grades are due, many colleges don’t record the grade the student would otherwise receive. Instead, they use a temporary placeholder, such as an Incomplete, “NR” (No Report), or a similar notation, until the case is decided. At many schools, the instructor also can’t impose a grade penalty for the alleged misconduct until the process is complete. Once the case ends, the placeholder is replaced with a final grade.
A note on policies: every university sets its own grading rules for pending cases, and those rules change over time. This article describes common practices as universities have published them. A school’s current official policies are the controlling source.
What Grade Appears While the Case Is Pending?
At many schools, a temporary grade appears in place of the final grade until the case is resolved.
The specific notation varies. The University of Illinois directs that an incomplete grade be issued when a case is still pending at the grade deadline. The University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts uses “NR,” for No Report, which it describes as a temporary, neutral grade. Texas Tech University’s policy allows a temporary grade of “X,” which does not affect GPA. Hunter College directs faculty to submit an incomplete, after which its conduct office places a “PEN,” or pending, grade.
Can the Instructor Lower the Grade Before the Case Is Decided?
At many schools, no. Several universities state that the instructor may not impose a penalty for alleged misconduct until the case is resolved.
Michigan’s LSA procedures state that while a case is pending, the instructor may not impose any penalty or require remedial work. Texas Tech’s policy states that the academic penalty will not be implemented until all disciplinary procedures are complete. If the student is found not responsible, the grade is generally recalculated without any penalty for the alleged violation.
Can a Student Keep Attending the Class?
At many schools, yes. Some universities state expressly that a student must be allowed to remain in the class and complete the coursework while the case is pending.
Rowan University’s policy, for example, states that the student must be allowed to remain in class and complete course work until a final resolution is reached.
Does a Pending Grade Affect Graduation?
It can. A placeholder grade can mean the course doesn’t yet count toward the degree.
Michigan’s LSA procedures state that while the NR grade is in place, the student may not receive credit for the course and may not graduate. Hunter College states that a student cannot graduate with a pending grade on their transcript, so the case must be concluded before the degree is conferred.
Can a Student Switch the Course to Pass/Fail?
At some schools, no. Hunter College, for example, states that a credit/no credit grade is not an option for any course with a pending academic integrity case.
Common Misconceptions
“An Incomplete means I’m being punished.” At many schools, a placeholder grade is neutral and simply reflects that the case isn’t finished.
“My professor can fail me right away.” Many universities bar grade penalties for alleged misconduct until the case is decided.
“The pending grade will sort itself out.” The placeholder stays until the case is resolved, and at some schools it blocks graduation in the meantime.
“I can switch to pass/fail to avoid the issue.” Some schools don’t allow that option for a course with a pending case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade do I get if my cheating case isn’t resolved by the end of the semester?
At many colleges, a temporary grade such as an Incomplete, NR, X, or pending notation, which is replaced once the case is decided.
Can my professor lower my grade before my academic integrity case is decided?
At many schools, no. Several universities state that instructors may not impose a penalty until the case is resolved.
Can I graduate with a pending academic integrity grade?
At some schools, no. Some universities state that a student with a pending grade may not receive credit for the course or graduate until the case ends.
Can I take the course pass/fail while my case is pending?
At some schools, no. Some universities don’t allow pass/fail or credit/no credit for a course with a pending case.
Representation for Students With Pending Academic Integrity Cases
Attorney Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who represents students in academic misconduct cases at colleges and universities nationwide. See also caught cheating in college: what happens next and does academic misconduct show up on your transcript. Call 855-338-5299.