---
title: "Using Gradebook Categories"
type: "article"
space: "Blackboard Ultra"
author: "Anh Lam"
created: 2023-01-05T22:24:47Z
updated: 2026-10-22T15:09:10Z
tags: ["assessing-learning", "blackboard-ultra", "gradebook-categories", "grading", "ultra"]
url: "https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/266/blackboard-ultra/articles/assessing-learning/16175/using-gradebook-categories"
---

# Using Gradebook Categories

Use Gradebook categories to group similar assessments for organization and grade calculations. Categories are not used to change assessment icons in the redesigned Gradebook.

## Access Gradebook categories

1. Select **Gradebook**.
2. Select the **Settings** gear beside **To Do**.
[!\[Gradebook page with the Settings gear highlighted beside the To Do button.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=dfiVGw4N2RsnnoDABFS6Cw%3D%3D)
Figure 1. Select the **Settings** gear beside **To Do**. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=dfiVGw4N2RsnnoDABFS6Cw%3D%3D)
3. Scroll to **Grade Categories**.
[!\[Gradebook Settings showing the Grade Categories section, Add New Category button, and existing categories.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=pNheuB4JxCoheOaE9z2ZQw%3D%3D)
Figure 2. Add or manage categories in the **Grade Categories** section. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=pNheuB4JxCoheOaE9z2ZQw%3D%3D)

## Add, edit, or delete a category

1. To add a category, select **Add New Category** and enter a category name.
2. To edit or delete a custom category, select the **More options** ellipsis beside the category and choose the required action.

**Note:** Default Blackboard categories do not have a More options ellipsis and cannot be edited or deleted.

## Change an assessment category

1. Open the assessment.
2. Select the **Settings** gear.
3. Open the **Grade category** menu.
4. Select the required category.
[!\[Assessment Settings panel showing the Grade category menu used to assign a category.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=zqexf3j4eiwUdHIr40lxYw%3D%3D)
Figure 3. Choose the required category in **Assessment Settings**. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=zqexf3j4eiwUdHIr40lxYw%3D%3D)
5. Select **Save**.

## Use categories in calculations

Categories can be weighted in Overall Grade calculations and used to apply rules such as dropping the lowest quiz score. Keep unrelated items out of a category when a category calculation rule will be used.

[!\[Category Calculation Rule panel showing the enabled rule, Drop Scores option, and one lowest score selected.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=uztYZdMNnhT%2FvAhat9xuzg%3D%3D)
Figure 4. Enable the category rule and set one lowest score to be dropped. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=uztYZdMNnhT%2FvAhat9xuzg%3D%3D)

* * *

## 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 — PDF](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/266/blackboard-ultra/files/24861/extended-time)

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