Petitions for incompletes are appropriate when students have actively participated in a course during the semester, but due to illness or other circumstances beyond their control, are not able to complete assignments or exams at the very end of the semester. Incomplete petitions are not appropriate for students who have missed a substantial number of classes or assignments, or who have completed all major requirements in a given course.
For example - "good attendance prior to (date)"
If a student has missed a substantial amount of work, the option of a late withdrawal from the course may be more appropriate.