Creating a Manual Grade Column

For all graded items or those automatically graded (e.g., discussions, assignments, or tests), Blackboard will automatically generate a Grade Column in the Gradebook. However, for assessments not submitted through the platform (e.g., participation, labs), instructors must manually create a Grade Column.

Steps to Manually Create a Grade Column

  1. Select Gradebook.

2. Select the plus icon in the desired location and select Add item.

3. Enter the appropriate information in the New Item panel.

New Item Panel
  • Enter a title for the grade column.
  • Choose “Visible to students” from the drop-down menu to make the column visible.
  • Set the due date by entering start and finish dates.
  • Select the grading method: Letter, Points, or Percentage.
  • Choose a grade category.
  • Optionally, enter a description in the text box.

4. Select Save.