How do I create a grade column?

By default there should already be a Weighted Total and a Total column present in the grade center. If you find yourself needing to add one of these hover your mouse over Create Calculated Column at the top of the grade center and select Total Column or Weighted Column.

• Total Column: The total column generates a grade based on the cumulative points earned, related to the points allowed. You can select which columns and categories are included in a total column's calculation. When you create a total column, you can include other calculated columns. A total column is created by default and appears in new courses. You can rename, change the settings, change which columns are included, or delete the column.
• Weighted Column: The weighted column generates a grade based on the result of selected columns and categories, and their respective percentages. When you create a weighted column, you can include other calculated columns and other weighted columns. A default weighted total column appears in new courses. You can rename it, change the settings, change which columns and categories are included, or delete this column. The default weighted total column displays no results until you select the columns and categories to include in the calculation. This column is included in the Final Grade View smart view. Weighted totals are calculated based on percentages and not based on grading schemas/letter grades. Columns included in the weighted total aren't displayed using the same grading schema as the input grade values. Grading schemas map a range of percentages to a particular label for display purposes. Schemas don't have an impact on the weighted total's underlying calculations, which are based on percentages or points/points possible.

1. On the Create Grade Column page, type a name. This will show in the Grade Center and show to students in their My Grades section.

2. Optional: type a brief description.

3. Choose the Primary Display mode for this column. This is how the grade shows to you in the Grade Center and to students in the My Grades section of the course.

   • Score: A numeric grade is the default setting.

   • Letter: A letter grade appears. This value comes from the default Grading Schema in Blackboard.

   • Text: Text appears in the column when you create and associate a text grading schema.

   • Percentage: A percentage appears. For example, 21/30 appears as 70%.

   • Complete/Incomplete: When a student submits an item, a check icon appears in the column regardless of score.

4. Optional: Choose a secondary display to show to you in the Grade Center.

5. Optional: Choose a category association for this column.

6. Assign a point value in the Points Possible box. Entries must be numeric.

7. Optional: Provide a due date.

8. Select the Options:

   • Include this Column in Grade Center Calculations: Select Yes to make the column available for potential inclusion when creating calculated columns.

   • Show this Column to Students: Select Yes to display the column to students in My Grades.

   • Show Statistics (average and median) for this Column to Students in My Grades: Select Yesto include statistical information with the grade value when shown to students.

9. Click Submit.