Hi Jeff:
My feeling is all assignments that contribute to a grade should be discussed and explained at the beginning of a class.
Sometimes, good students who really don't need EC will feel it's unfair for lower performing students to get credit when it's not deserved.
I can appreciate the subjective nature of knowing your students and their needs. I just have been "burned" too many times and have so developed a firm and consistent policy.
Regards, Barry
