Jan, Using Bb 7.3 classic.  Some of our faculty give the students so many points for each class session they attend.   So at the beginning of the semester everyone would start out with a grade of the maximum number of points possible. You can add extra points to the points possible for that gradebook item, if you allow for so many abscences without penalty.(You would multiple the number of class sessions times "x" points possible for each one.)  When the students miss a class session you just deduct "x" number of points.  The instructor can add an instructor note if they want to record the date missed.   This method only requires one column in the gradebook.  I had faculty trying to add a column for each class session.  :(  This was my makeshift solution to avoid that.  Sorry this is almost a year later from when you asked this question but...I am just now reading this. :)  Kathy - Liberty U.