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.
