Canvas is a widely adopted learning management system used by educational institutions worldwide to manage course content and student performance data. As users navigate the platform, they often encounter specific symbols and abbreviations within the grade tracking area that require clear interpretation. These indicators communicate the current status of student work and grading progress. This article provides a detailed explanation of the specific meaning and context of the “T” symbol found within the Canvas grade interface.
Understanding the “T” Grade Status
The “T” symbol signifies a “Temporary” or “Tentative” grade status within the system’s gradebook logic. This indicator communicates that the numerical or letter grade currently visible is not yet the final, recorded assessment for that specific assignment. Instructors employ this status as a placeholder, signaling that the displayed score is subject to alteration before the final course grade computation.
This status is strictly an indicator of processing and does not represent an actual performance grade, unlike an A, B, or F. An instructor might apply the “T” when they have manually entered a raw score but still need to apply a weighted curve or adjust for late submissions. The presence of the “T” confirms that the system is holding the score in reserve until the grading process is formally completed.
A common reason for this designation is when a complex assignment, such as a major project or final exam, requires external scoring or a multi-stage peer review process. The function of the “T” is to prevent the tentative score from prematurely impacting the student’s overall course average calculation. This mechanism ensures that the calculated running total accurately reflects only finalized assessment results.
Common Placement of the “T” Symbol
Students most frequently encounter the “T” symbol in the main gradebook view, adjacent to the numerical score for a particular assignment column. This location provides an immediate visual cue regarding the status of the individual assessment item within the larger list of course requirements. It often appears directly next to the point value or percentage score that has been temporarily recorded.
The symbol can also be observed on the individual assignment summary page, which provides a detailed breakdown of the submission and feedback provided by the instructor. In some configurations, the gradebook may display the “T” near the running total score for the course, especially if a high-value assignment is marked as tentative.
Steps for Resolving a “T” Grade
The removal of the “T” status is an action solely performed by the course instructor or teaching assistant once the final grading is complete. Students should first consult the course syllabus or recent announcements for information regarding the posted grading timeline for the assignment. Understanding the expected turnaround time can often alleviate concerns about the temporary status and prevent unnecessary communication.
If the published grading period has elapsed and the symbol remains, the most appropriate next step involves contacting the instructor directly through official communication channels, such as Canvas messaging or institutional email. A brief, professional inquiry requesting clarification on the expected date of final grade posting is sufficient. Students should avoid making assumptions about their performance based on the score displayed next to the temporary indicator.
Once the instructor executes the final save or submission within the platform’s grading interface, the “T” designation will automatically disappear from all views. This automatic system update confirms that the score is now locked and fully integrated into the official calculation of the student’s overall course grade, reflecting the permanent assessment outcome.