Create a Custom Assessment Category

When creating an assessment in Blackboard Ultra using one of Blackboard's built in assessment tools, such as Assignments, Tests, Graded Discussions, Graded Journals, etc., a column in the Gradebook will automatically be created and associated with the assessment. When columns are automatically created, they are also automatically assigned to a category. Categories in the Gradebook are used to group like assessments together. They are also used in calculating the Overall Grade. The Overall Grade in a Blackboard Ultra course replaces the Total Grade Center column from Blackboard Original courses.

The categories included in Blackboard Ultra courses include Assignment, Test, Discussion, Quiz, etc. You can also create custom categories to which to assignment your assessments. To create a custom category:

1. Navigate to the Gradebook in your course.
2. In any Gradebook view (Overview, Gradable Items, Grades, or Students) select Gradebook Settings. This is the gear icon below the Student Preview link. Note that the gear icon above the Student Preview link is Course Settings, which is not where you can change the Gradebook Settings.
   
   
   
   
3. In Gradebook Settings, scroll to Grade Categories. Select Add New Category. 
4. Enter a name for the category.
   
   
   
   
5. Select Enter on your keyboard to save the entry.
6. To add additional categories, select Add New Category again. Repeat this process until you have created all the categories you need.

After creating custom categories, you can then add or change categories to your assessment Gradebook columns.