Factoring Attendance in Midterm & Final Canvas Grades
The College has implemented a new attendance policy to address chronic absenteeism. Starting in Fall 2026, points will be deducted from midterm and final course grades based on the number of absences, late arrivals, and early departures. This section will explain the process and show you how to override the "total" grade in Canvas.
Sonis | Attendance Report
At midterm and the end of the semester, Sonis will generate an attendance report that highlights students who had chronic attendance issues along with their point deductions. Once you have this information, you will update the midterm or final grade for these students in the Override Column of the Grade Center.
Canvas | Override Column
To create an "Override Column"
- Log into your Canvas course.
- Click on Grades
- Open Gradebook Settings (cog icon on the top right)
- Select the Advanced tab
- Check "Allow final grade override"
Note: Students will see the "override" grade, not the "total" grade as the final grade in your course.
Midterm Grades | Override Column
Please note, you should delete the override grade a week or two after you have posted the midterm grades in Sonis. The override grade will not update as you grade new assignments.
If you do not delete it, students will continue to see the override grade for the remainder of the semester.
Informing Students
To ensure students are aware of point deductions related to attendance, please email each student noting the grade change and the reason. You may also want to consider encouraging students to connect with their academic advisor, the Director of Academic Support Services, or Counseling Services, if you have been made aware of specific issues affecting their attendance.