---
title: "Creating a Manual Grade Column"
type: "article"
space: "Blackboard Ultra"
author: "Anh Lam"
created: 2022-11-02T20:39:29Z
updated: 2026-10-20T22:57:49Z
tags: ["blackboard-ultra", "blackboard-ultra-grading", "grading", "manual-grade-column", "ultra"]
url: "https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/266/blackboard-ultra/articles/grading/15652/creating-a-manual-grade-column"
---

# Creating a Manual Grade Column

Blackboard creates Gradebook items automatically for graded assessments. Create a manual Gradebook item for participation, labs, or other work that is not submitted through an assessment.

## Create a manual Gradebook item

1. Select **Gradebook**.
2. Select the **List view** icon.
[!\[Gradebook page with the List view icon highlighted at the upper-left.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=tm%2FnpGdcvZrNlrcUBAEZnA%3D%3D)
Figure 1. Select the **List view** icon. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=tm%2FnpGdcvZrNlrcUBAEZnA%3D%3D)
3. Move your cursor between assessment rows and select the **plus icon** that appears.
4. Select **Add Item**.
[!\[Plus-icon menu in Gradebook List view with Add Item highlighted.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=%2FVlJvyZgKmzB6dCeTCZm%2BA%3D%3D)
Figure 2. Select **Add Item** from the plus-icon menu. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=%2FVlJvyZgKmzB6dCeTCZm%2BA%3D%3D)
5. Select the item title at the top of the New Item panel and enter a meaningful name.
6. Choose whether the item is visible to students and set a due date when required.
[!\[New Item panel showing the student visibility option and Due date section.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=Fc0LzpgXkTB7mxnNePPfMg%3D%3D)
Figure 3. Set the item visibility and due date. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=Fc0LzpgXkTB7mxnNePPfMg%3D%3D)
7. Under **Grading**, choose the grading method and enter the maximum points.
[!\[New Item panel showing the Grade using menu and Maximum points field.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=fGWH4jvbrYAgnppWqS9RNQ%3D%3D)
Figure 4. Choose the grading method and enter the maximum points. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=fGWH4jvbrYAgnppWqS9RNQ%3D%3D)
8. Select a grade category and add a description when required.
[!\[New Item panel showing the Grade category menu and Description field.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=BRZUDWB8MQvUEgi%2FoVKosA%3D%3D)
Figure 5. Select a grade category and add a description when required. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=BRZUDWB8MQvUEgi%2FoVKosA%3D%3D)
9. Select **Save**.
[!\[Bottom of the New Item panel with the Save button highlighted.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=idhXPtd6%2B3Sa5F4z5y%2BBKQ%3D%3D)
Figure 6. Select **Save** to create the item. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=idhXPtd6%2B3Sa5F4z5y%2BBKQ%3D%3D)

**Note:** The plus icon is view-specific. Use **List view** to add a manual Gradebook item.

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## Additional resources

The following resource from Seneca's Accessible Learning Services provides practical guidance for applying approved extended-time accommodations to tests and exams.

Faculty quick reference · PDF

### Extended time calculations for tests and exams

Use this quick reference to calculate the total writing time for students with approved extended-time accommodations. The required multiplier is identified in the student's Accommodation Letter.

Extended-time multipliers

1.25x

25% extra time

1.5x

50% extra time

1.75x

75% extra time

2x

100% extra time

Example calculation

A **60-minute test** with a **1.5x** accommodation provides **90 minutes of total writing time**.

What's included in the guide?

- A calculation chart for standard assessments from 30 to 180 minutes.
- Examples of extended-time calculations.
- Faculty responsibilities for providing approved extended time.
- Guidance on ensuring assessment bookings and online time windows allow the full accommodated time.

View the resource

**[Extended Time](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/266/blackboard-ultra/files/24861/extended-time "Extended Time")**

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## Video demonstration

## Attachments

- [image_94834280761678732566160.png](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=xSh8zTXds4YN9nEVKP9YDA%253D%253D)
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- [image_629591925121678733031227.png](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=ZiH8orMW7rYp5bfsKvH%252Fvg%253D%253D)
- [image_46138671381786064090219.png](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=tm%252FnpGdcvZrNlrcUBAEZnA%253D%253D)
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- [image_837823562111786064090229.png](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=fGWH4jvbrYAgnppWqS9RNQ%253D%253D)
- [image_727111174131786064090236.png](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=idhXPtd6%252B3Sa5F4z5y%252BBKQ%253D%253D)