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

This guide walks instructors through the process of deleting a student’s assignment attempt in Brightspace, including how to remove single or multiple attempts and when to adjust special access for resubmissions. Troubleshooting tips and FAQs are also provided to ensure smooth assignment management.

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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.

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. 1. Log in to Brightspace to access your course.
   • From the navigation bar, select Activities, then click Assignments.
2. 
3. 2.  Click on the assignment you want to manage.
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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. 
   • Delete a single attempt: Click the trash icon next to the specific attempt you want to remove.
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8. • You can also delete attempts from the Submissions tab by checking the box next to the student’s name and clicking Delete.

9. 

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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.

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Additional Resources:

• • Add special access dates to an assignment from the Submissions page | D2L Brightspace Community
• • Manage special access for your assignment | D2L Brightspace Community
• • About Assignments | D2L Brightspace Community

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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.