Hi Gerry: Avoiding EC is a better pokicy overall. Others will disagree, but your point is well taken, students who don't need EC will take advantage of it, and those who need EC points, have missed asssignments or other activities that have brought their scores below satisfactory. I sometimes say, "is this about points and grades, or is this about student learning?". An "A" student who can't function is a poor example to share with the community or fellow workers at work. Regards, Barry