Month: May 2026

How to Avoid WN Grades!

Ann

One of the biggest mistakes students make is accidentally receiving a WN grade.

A WN grade means you never attended your class. And yes — it can seriously affect your financial aid, balance owed to the college, and future registration.

Here’s how to avoid it:

1. Understand your class format!

Not all summer classes work the same way!

In-Person: You must physically attend class. Missing the first classes can lead to a WN grade very quickly during summer.

Synchronous Online Classes: “Synchronous” means your class meets LIVE online at scheduled times on Zoom, Brightspace, or another platform.

You are expected to:

  • Attend the live sessions
  • Participate
  • Complete required work

Simply logging into Brightspace is usually NOT enough.

Asynchronous Online Classes: “Asynchronous” means there are no live class meetings, but you are still expected to complete work regularly online.

This may include:

  • Discussion posts
  • Assignments
  • Quizzes
  • Brightspace activities

Just because there’s no live meeting does NOT mean the course is self-paced or optional.

2. Check Brightspace and your syllabus BEFORE classes start!

Many professors require:

  • An introduction post
  • First assignment
  • Quiz
  • Attendance activity

Missing these early requirements can lead to a WN.

3. Read your BMCC email every day!

Important updates about:

  • Class cancellations
  • Attendance requirements
  • Financial aid issues
  • ASAP support
  • Professor announcements

…are usually sent to your BMCC email.

As of April 13th, 2026, current student email accounts (@stu.bmcc.cuny.edu) have been retired and shifted to the CUNY Login account (@login.cuny.edu). Moving forward, you should sign in to Outlook and any other Microsoft 365 apps using your CUNY Login account.

You can also log into: https://bmcc-cuny.campus.eab.com/ to view your messages.

For more information: https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/library/blog/2026-03/bmcc-email-changing/

4. Don’t stop attending!

If you changed your mind about summer classes, do NOT just disappear.

Students who stop attending without officially dropping may:

  • Receive WN grades
  • Owe tuition balances
  • Lose financial aid eligibility

To avoid tuition charges, always drop before the deadline listed on the BMCC academic calendar.

If you missed the drop deadline, consider withdrawing from the course (WD or W grade). Check the BMCC academic calendar for key withdrawal dates. Contact your ASAP Academic Advisor for options.

5. Ask for help EARLY!

Having issues with:

  • Childcare?
  • Work schedule?
  • Technology?
  • Transportation?
  • Financial aid?
  • Understanding coursework?

Reach out EARLY:

  • Your ASAP Advisor
  • ASAP Financial Aid
  • Your professor
  • Tutoring/support services

The sooner you ask, the more options you usually have.

Remember!

WN grades can:

  • Cancel financial aid
  • Create balances owed to BMCC
  • Result in a Bursar Hold
  • Prevent you from registering for a future semester
  • Affect future academic progress

Staying active and communicating early can help protect your aid and keep you on track.

Stay on Track: Financial Aid Deadlines Approaching

Ann

As the semester comes to an end, we want to remind you of the important deadlines below to help you stay on track and avoid any registration delays for the upcoming term.

Review Your Tuition Balance:
Log in to CUNYfirst and click on “Student Center” > “Financial Account” to review your current tuition balance.
An unpaid balance results in a “Bursar Hold”, which will prevent you from registering for next semester—so it’s important to take action now.

Make Sure Your Financial Aid is Complete:
If you expect financial aid to cover your balance, be sure to:

  1. Submit the 2025–2026 FAFSA (Deadline: June 30, 2026)
    studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
  2. Submit the 2025–2026 TAP Application (Deadline: June 30, 2026)
    www.tap.hesc.ny.gov/totw
    If you are not eligible for FAFSA, you may apply for TAP via the NYS DREAM Act
  3. Check and Complete All Financial Aid Tasks
    Log into CUNYfirst and click on “Student Center” > “Tasks” to check your “To Do” list. Be sure to complete any outstanding Financial Aid Tasks.
  4. Complete TAP Requirements
    Log in to your 2025-2026 TAP application at: My HESC Account Access | HESC to confirm all requirements are submitted. Need to fix errors or upload documents? Watch HESC’s step-by-step video tutorial guide. Need more help? Call to speak with a HESC representative: Speak with HESC | HESC

Explore Additional Aid Options:

  • Federal Student Loans:
    If you’re interested in borrowing student loans, submit your request before the Spring 2025 application deadline: May 15, 2026.
  • Income Adjustment Appeal:
    Have you (or your family) experienced a recent loss of income or financial hardship? You may qualify for an Income Adjustment, which allows the Office of Financial Aid to review and potentially update your FAFSA based on your current financial situation. Click on Income Adjustment Appeal to learn more. Deadline: May 1, 2026.

Need help?

  • Office of Bursar
    Questions about tuition, fees, payments, or payment plans?
    Room S-330 | 212-220-1300 | bursar@bmcc.cuny.edu
  • General Financial Aid Questions
    Contact the Office of Financial Aid at the Panther Station
  • ASAP Financial Aid Advisement (By Appointment Only)
    Schedule a one-on-one appointment with an ASAP Financial Aid Advisor:
    Book through Navigate
  • Email the ASAP Financial Aid Team
    ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu (Include your full name and student ID number)

Taking these steps now can help avoid delays and ensure a smooth start to your next semester. Let us know how we can support you!