Hello!
We do not have a standard grade status in Canvas that is known as "defer," but the desired outcome for preventing a student's score from counting toward their final grade calculation is achieved by Excusing the assignment.
- In the Gradebook, navigate to the cell for the specific student and assignment.
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Type EX into the cell for that student's assignment or use the dropdown menu in the cell to change the submission status to Excused.
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Excusing a grade will remove that assignment's points from the course's total denominator only for that specific student, effectively deferring the requirement and ensuring the student's final grade is calculated correctly based on the remaining graded assignments.
I hope this helps and thank you for engaging in our Canvas Community!