Vallorie , There are valid extenuating circumstances from time to time. I think that falls under the grading policies (i.e., an assignment submitted late is accepted with a slight percentage downgrade). To offer bonus points beyond the standard established at the beginning of the course is is not fair to students who completed all assignments on time, and even if all students are awarded extra points, then there is grade inflation. My emphasis is student learning. Grades and points are secondary aspects to that primary goal. But each instructor and institution has to decide what works best for them. Barry Westling