Extra credit points can be given in Brightspace in two ways:

The first is to allow the grade item and category to exceed the maximum number of points for the assignment so extra points can be given.
The other option is to indicate the grade item is a “Bonus” item. Bonus grade items are added on to the final grade if completed and should not be placed into a gradebook category.

Either option will require modifications to the final grade calculation as well as the grade category, if one is used to house the grade item.

Add Extra Points to a Grade Item

Grade items and categories can be set up to exceed the maximum point value as specified. If a grade item has been set to exceed the point value and is housed within a grade category, the grade category and final grade must also be set to exceed the maximum points.

Select Grades from the course navigation bar.
Select Manage Grades.
If a grade item has already been created but needs to be modified, select the dropdown arrow next to the item, then select Edit and skip to step 9.
Select New.
Select Item.
Select Numeric as the grade item type.
Enter a title for the grade item in the “Name” field.
(Optional) Select a grade category or create a new category to house the grade item.
Enter the maximum points for the assignment in the “Maximum Points” field.
Select the box next to “Can Exceed” to allow points to exceed the points specified in the “Maximum Points” field.
(Optional) Modify any other settings.
Select Save and Close.

Modify a Grade Category to Allow Extra Points

If a grade item that was set to exceed the maximum points is housed within a grade category, that category will also need to be set to exceed the maximum score. The final grade calculation will also need to be modified.

Select the dropdown arrow next to the grade category to be modified.
Select Edit.
Under the “Grading” section, select the box next to “Can Exceed.”
Select Save and Close.

Modify the Final Calculated Grade Item to Allow Extra Points

To properly calculate extra credit points, the Final Calculated Grade item should be modified.

Select Grades from the course navigation bar.
Select Manage Grades
Select the dropdown arrow next to the Final Calculated Grade item.
Select Edit.
Under the “Grading” section, select the box next to “Can Exceed.”
Select Save and Close.
Continue to the next section to add a Bonus Grade Item.

Add a Bonus Grade Item

Creating a grade item that is set as a “bonus” means that students have the option of completing the assignment. Bonus grade items are not included in the maximum points for a category or final grade. They are added on top of the calculated final grade.

Go to the Manage Grades area.
If a grade item has already been created but needs to be modified, select the dropdown arrow next to the item, then select Edit and skip to step 9.
Select New.
Select Item.
Select Numeric as the grade item type.
Enter a title for the grade item in the “Name” field.
(Optional) Select a grade category or create a new category to house the grade item.
1. If you add the item to a grade category, that category must be have "Can Exceed" enabled
2. If you are adding the item to the final grade, do not add it to a grade category
Enter the maximum points for the bonus assignment in the “Maximum Points” field.
Select the box next to "Bonus".
(Optional) Select the box next to “Can Exceed” if submissions can exceed the maximum points specified.
(Optional) Modify any other settings.
Select Save and Close.

Bonus grade items cannot be displayed to students in the grade scheme like other grade items. Bonus grades are only added to final grades after all other calculations. Students can only view the numeric points, and potentially the weight achieved, for a bonus grade item because the actual weight or points of the bonus grade item may not be consistent with the rest of the grade scheme.

Related Self Help Guides

Replace owner (Area) and reviewed by with information appropriate to this article. Also set the review date to the date the page was created.

Owner (area)	Educational Technology
Reviewed by	Donald Turner
Review Date	08 Jan 2025

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