Fixing Automatic Zeros in Canvas Gradebook

This article outlines the steps to remove automatic zeros that were applied in the Canvas Gradebook.

Issue

Students are automatically receiving zeros for assignments that are not due yet. 

 

Environment

• Canvas

 

Resolution

This issue occurs when the previous (source) course has Automatically apply grade for missing submissions enabled (set to 0) and the due dates for assignments are not adjusted prior to the course copy. Canvas copies over the old due dates, sees that no students have submitted work, and immediately applies zeros for missing submissions.

How to remove the incorrect zeros

Important: Only use these steps for assignments that have not been graded yet. If you have already entered grades, this may overwrite or remove existing scores.

1. In the course, go to Grades
2. Locate the assignment column with the incorrect zeros.
3. Hover over the column header, click the three dots (Options), and select Set Default Grade.
4. Leave the grade value box blank.
5. Check the box for Overwrite already-entered grades.
6. Click Set Default Grade.
7. Repeat this process for any other affected columns. 

Sometimes there may be a delay in removing zeros after the default grade has been set. You may need to refresh your browser page. 

Additional Information 

To avoid this issue from occurring, when importing content select Adjust events and due dates so Canvas shifts assignment due dates to align with the new semester. This prevents assignments from carrying over old due dates that can trigger automatic zeros. You can also choose to remove the dates during the import, if needed.