Blackboard Ultra (Faculty) - Gradebook: Reconcile Grades

This article explains how instructors can reconcile grades in Blackboard Ultra when discrepancies arise between different views or calculations within the Gradebook.

Understanding Grade Reconciliation

Sometimes, grades in Blackboard Ultra's Gradebook may appear inconsistent due to manual overrides, calculation errors, or other issues. Reconciling grades ensures that the displayed grades accurately reflect student performance.

Steps to Reconcile Grades

  1. Access the Blackboard Ultra course.
  2. Navigate to the Gradebook.
  3. On the Overview page, locate the Needs Reconciling section.

    On the Overview page, if there are grades to reconcile, a box labled "Needs Reconciling" will appear at the top with those submissions listed.

  4. Click the Reconcile button.
  5. Click the row of the grade that needs to be reconciled or select "Reconcile All" if there is more than one. 

    The number of grades to reconcile is listed at the top of the assignment submissions page. The Reconcile All hyperlink is below the number.

  6. Click the Attempt to view the original submission response. 

    To open the attempt, click the attempt above the submission timestamp.
  7. Override the grade if necessary. Click the white grading pill and type in a new score to manually adjust the grade. You can also add feedback to the student regarding the adjustment.

    The white grade pill is located in the top right and has the total points possible in it. The text box includes a text editor toolbar to add feedback. The Save button is located below.

  8. Click Save.
  9. Verify the reconciled grade. After making adjustments, double-check the grade in the Gradebook to ensure it accurately reflects the student's performance and the intended grading criteria.
  10. Students cannot see reconciled grades and feedback until they have been posted. Click the Post 1 grade or Post all grades button.

Common Scenarios Requiring Grade Reconciliation

  • Manual Grade Overrides: When instructors manually override calculated grades, discrepancies can arise if the original calculation changes.
  • Changes to Grading Schema: Modifying the grading schema after grades have been assigned may lead to inconsistencies.
  • Imported Grades: Grades imported from external sources may not align perfectly with the Gradebook's calculations.
  • Technical Errors: Occasionally, technical glitches within Blackboard Ultra can cause grade discrepancies.

Best Practices for Grade Management

  • Regularly Review Grades: Periodically review grades in the Gradebook to identify and address any discrepancies promptly.
  • Provide Clear Feedback: Offer detailed feedback to students regarding their grades, especially when making adjustments.
  • Document Changes: Keep a record of any manual grade overrides or adjustments made in the Gradebook.
  • Communicate with Students: Inform students about any grade reconciliation efforts and the reasons behind any adjustments made.

Need Additional Support?

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk:

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!



Keywords:
Blackboard Ultra, Gradebook, Reconcile Grades, Grade Discrepancy, Override Grades, Grade Reconciliation, Bb, Ultra 
Doc ID:
155575
Owned by:
Jeff P. in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Created:
2025-10-13
Updated:
2026-04-16
Sites:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville