Circled Exclamation Points in the Canvas Gradebook

In the Canvas Gradebook, a circled exclamation point indicates that a grade needs attention. This symbol appears in place of a numeric score until an instructor takes action.

Note: Students DO NOT see them.

Contents:

Reasons It Can Occur

How to Fix It

Notes

Reasons It Can Occur

When using weighted assignment groups, Canvas expects each group to contain at least one assignment with points possible. If a weighted group has zero points possible, Canvas cannot calculate the group’s contribution to the total grade. In this case, a warning icon (a black exclamation point) appears in the Total column to notify instructors of this configuration issue

How to Fix It

1. Visit the Assignments page in your course.
   

2. Identify any weighted assignment groups with 0 points possible.
   

3. Take one of these actions:

   • Add an assignment with points possible to the group.

   • Or, remove the group's weight if the group isn't meant to count.
     

4. Go back to the Gradebook. The circled exclamation point in the Total column should disappear once the group is configured properly.

Notes

• The circled exclamation point is not an error; it is a Canvas alert that grading requires review.

• Posting grades will immediately release them to students if the course is set to manual posting.

• Hidden columns, curved grades, or ungraded items can also create confusion but do not directly cause the circled exclamation point.

• Always double-check Gradebook Settings if issues persist.
  
   

Have Questions? Contact the Academic Technology Support Team

atst@spcollege.edu

 Phone at 727-341-3500

(Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST).

After-hours or weekend assistance? Contact the Technical Support Center at 727-791-2795 or onlinehelp@spcollege.edu

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