How to Delete a Student's Assignment Attempt(s)

Introduction:

There may be times when you need to remove a student’s assignment submission in Brightspace — for example, if the wrong file was uploaded, a submission error occurred, or a resubmission is required. Brightspace allows instructors to delete either individual attempts or all attempts for a specific student. After deleting an attempt, you may also need to update the student’s special access settings to allow for a new submission.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. 1. Log in to Brightspace to access your course.
    • From the navigation bar, select Activities, then click Assignments.
  2. Activities >> Assignments
  3. 2.  Click on the assignment you want to manage.
  4. Assignment [click on blue link]
  5. 3. To delete submissions:
    • Delete all attempts for one or more students: Check the box next to the student’s name, then click Delete.
  6. Check off a student and navigate to the delete button
    • Delete a single attempt: Click the trash icon next to the specific attempt you want to remove.
  7. Trash icon

    • You can also delete attempts from the Submissions tab by checking the box next to the student’s name and clicking Delete.

  9. Submission's Tab Delete option

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • • Update Special Access:
    • If you delete a student’s attempt and they need to resubmit, you may need to update or grant Special Access for that assignment so they can reattempt it.
      • From the Assignments list, click the assignment name.
      • Select the Availability Dates & Conditions section.
      • Click Manage Special Access, then Add Special Access.
      • Set the new dates or conditions for the student, then click Save.
  • • Check Gradebook Impact:
    • Deleting an attempt will also remove the associated grade and feedback in the gradebook for that attempt. If you want to keep the grade, record it elsewhere before deleting.
  • • Deleted Attempts Are Permanent:
    • Once you delete an attempt, it cannot be restored. Confirm before you proceed.

Additional Resources:

FAQ Section:

  • • Q: If I delete an attempt, will the student automatically be able to resubmit?
    • A: Not always. If the assignment has a set number of allowed attempts, you may need to grant special access to let the student resubmit.
  • • Q: Will deleting an attempt affect the student’s overall grade?
    • A: Yes, if the attempt had a score, it will be removed from the gradebook. Be sure to update the grade as needed after the new attempt.
  • • Q: Can I delete just one attempt and keep others?
    • A: Yes. Use the trash icon next to the individual attempt you want to remove, instead of deleting all attempts.
  • • <Insert FAQ Question 4>Q: What happens if the student’s attempt was in progress when I delete it?
    • A: The attempt will be removed completely. The student will need to start a new submission, which may require special access.
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