Recently Brightspace has added a new feature, the Automatic Zero feature.

This feature allows a score of zero (0) to automatically be applied when a student does not complete an activity after the due date has passed. This setting is a better alternative to “treat ungraded items as 0” and will eliminate the need for you to manually record zeros for missing work. Additionally, it provides students with a more accurate view of how they are performing overall in the course.

Automatic Zero is applicable to file and text-based assignments, quizzes, and LTI tools that have gradebook associations. The tool respects any exemptions and release conditions set for an activity. Automatic Zero is triggered within one minute of the due date and is based on local time zones for both instructors and learners (Brightspace, 2024).

This feature is available to you on Step 3 when you run the Setup Wizard in the Gradebook. Simply check the box to enable. Keep in mind, if applied after the semester has begun, the setting is not retroactive and will only impact future assignments.

Once a due date has passed, you will see the auto zero applied. If you hover over the score a tooltip displays showing it was automatically applied by the system.

Reference:
Brightspace (2024). Release Notes for July 2024. https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/26098-july-2024-20-24-7