This article will cover how to add a new category to the Gradebook and using the category for gradebook items.
Instructors can create new categories such as Lab Reports, Project, or Extra Credit for example, when their grading scheme goes beyond Blackboard's default categories (Assignments, Test, Discussions). Categories are used to group similar items together and can be used for calculating the total grade or weighted grades in the Overall Grade.
Adding a New Category
1. Select the Gradebook tab.
2. Select the gear icon for settings.

Select Add New Category.

1. Select Add New Category.
2. Type in the title of the new category in the text box.
Using Category when Creating Gradebook Columns
Here is a link for more information on creating Gradebook Columns.

In the Gradebook column will be given a choice to change the Grade category. Select the drop down arrow for Grade Category.

1. Select which category to choose from.
2. Select Save.