---
title: "Disabling Automatic Zeros"
type: "article"
space: "Blackboard Ultra"
author: "Anh Lam"
created: 2023-01-05T22:49:18Z
updated: 2026-10-20T22:56:54Z
tags: ["disable-automatic-zeros", "grading", "grading-in-ultra", "late-assignments"]
url: "https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/266/blackboard-ultra/articles/grading/16178/disabling-automatic-zeros"
---

# Disabling Automatic Zeros

When Automatic Zeros is enabled, students who do not submit work before the due date can receive a zero. Disable this setting when your course uses a different late-work policy.

## Disable Automatic Zeros

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=ao7mPcbIxG%2Fp4jQX3VDT8A%3D%3D)
Figure 1. Select the **Settings** gear beside **To Do**. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=8a9oIwYIDw5%2B3%2FWvsPO5Q%3D%3D)
3. Scroll to **Automatic Zeros**.
4. Deselect **Assign automatic zeros for past due work**.
[!\[Gradebook Settings showing the Automatic Zeros section and the Assign automatic zeros for past due work checkbox.\](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=vEiI%2BVTMJqyfXmbbVfeq3Q%3D%3D)
Figure 2. Deselect **Assign automatic zeros for past due work** to disable Automatic Zeros. Select the image to enlarge.](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=vEiI%2BVTMJqyfXmbbVfeq3Q%3D%3D)
5. If prompted, choose whether to keep existing zeros or return affected items to an ungraded state.

**Note:** Disabling Automatic Zeros does not always remove zeros that were assigned previously. Review the available prompt carefully before confirming the change.

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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_76645875541678734990883.png](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=qIP4qCmVjQYTMQ1iTRt6Ug%253D%253D)
- [image_1789499631680126070587.png](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=2Y0RIUbwk8FxMfketkGh5g%253D%253D)
- [image_95575777551786064677256.png](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=vEiI%252BVTMJqyfXmbbVfeq3Q%253D%253D)
- [03_settings_gear.png](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=O3OR%252Bb5M%252FEZZrlvKywSTGg%253D%253D)
- [mceclip1.png](https://employees.senecapolytechnic.ca/attachment?file=ao7mPcbIxG%252Fp4jQX3VDT8A%253D%253D)