Michael, I wholeheartedly agree students deserve all the chances we can give them. I guess it depends on the climate and reason for EC. When students don't do assigned work, are lazy abouit turning stuff in, then want a reward via EC to get extra points that other students don't get (and didn't ask for), that's a scenario based on points and grades, usually with little to do with real learning. Perhaps in other settings, there is a place for EC. I will give bonus points on exams for optional demonstration of learned material. Also, I usually drop the lowest quiz score, which students appreciate and in both cases, students have truely earned the grade they receive. I often say each instructor anad institution has to decide what works best for them. For me, from past bad experiences, I just choose not to go there. Barry Westling