Use Email to Finalize Incomplete Grade

Last updated on October 12, 2026

Working with a student who has an incomplete grade in a Canvas course that has ended creates some complications. One of the simplest methods of enabling a student to complete their incomplete grade is through email.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to send relevant files and resources to the student through either Canvas or email. The student would then submit all assignments to you through email to complete their course outside of Canvas.

This options works best online submission types. For Quizzes or assignments that use External Tools, view our tutorials, Use a Sandbox to Finalize Incomplete Grade or Open Access for Individual Student to Finalize Incomplete Grade for more information.

Directions

[Length 3:29, CC Available]

Send Content through Email

Note: You can also send content through Canvas Messages. View our spotlight, Canvas Messages, for more guidance.

1. Go to Faculty and Staff Hub.
2. Click Quick Links on the top right of the page.
3. Click Office 365 (Email and more).
4. Enter your MSU Denver Login Credentials, if prompted. You will now be logged in to your Outlook email. 
   • Alternatively, open the Outlook desktop app on your computer.
5. Click New Mail at the top left of the screen.
6. Enter the Student’s Email Address into the To field.
7. Enter a Subject.
8. Add any Text, Files, or Resources to the email (See below for more guidance).
9. Enter Instructions for the student to send their work through email.
10. Click Send.

Copy Assignment Directions

1. Log in to your Canvas Account.
2. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
3. Select Assignments from the course navigation menu on the left.
4. Click on the Specific Assignment you would like to send to your student.
5. Click Edit at the top right of the assignment page.
6. Select the Text you wish to send to your student.
7. Copy the Text.
   • Note: Images and Files will not copy over. You will need to attach those to your email separately. See below for more guidance.
8. Open your Email to the student.
9. Paste the Copied Text into your email to the student.
10. Repeat this Process for all content you wish to send the student.

Send YuJa Video in Email

1. Click on Yuja in the course navigation menu on the left.
2. Click My Media on the left-side navigation menu.
3. Navigate to the Video you wish to send.
4. Hover over the Video until you see the menu appear.
5. Click on More….
6. Click on Links from the menu on the right.
7. Click the Copy Icon to the far right of the URL under Direct Link.
8. Open your email to the student.
9. Select the Paper Clip Icon.
   • Note: If you are on the Desktop app, you may need to click the three dots to the right of the tool bar.
10. Select Link from the options that appear.
11. Enter the Video Name in the Display as field.
12. Paste the Video Link into the Web address field.
13. Click OK.

Attach File or Image in Email

1. Open you email to the student.
2. Select the Paper Clip Icon.
   • Note: If you are on the Desktop App, select Attach File from the options at the top of the window.
3. Select Browse this computer or OneDrive depending on where your file is saved.
4. Locate and select the File.
5. Click Open.

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Grade Student Work

Once the Canvas Course is closed, you will no longer be able to enter grades in the Gradebook. You will

1. View Student Submissions through your Email.
2. Reply to the Student with their Grade and Feedback.
   • Note: Once the Canvas Course is closed, you will no longer be able to enter grades in Canvas. It is recommended to share with the student both the scores they received on any outstanding work they submitted, and what their final grade in the course will be.
3. Submit the Student’s Final Grade to Banner.

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Have Questions?

Need additional support on this or other teaching and learning topics? Please visit us for drop-in support or try one of our self-help tutorials. 

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