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Upcoming Sessions

Read More: Blackboard Training Sessions - Draft (.docx)

Gradebook (Grading Discussions & Gradebook Reporting)

Date: July 23, 2026 | RSVP Today!

What this session covers

  • Organizing and navigating the Gradebook using filters, views and visibility settings
  • Configuring weighted grading, schemas, exemptions and discussion grading workflows
  • Reviewing student performance using Gradebook reporting and managing common grading expectations

Participants will gain

A streamlined grading workflow that reduces errors and saves time throughout the semester.

Who should attend: ETA Group members, Instructors, Course Builders, and Instructional Designers

Blackboard Training Session - Groups and Group Assignments Event Banner Image

Blackboard Day #2

also known as: Instructor Onboarding Training Session

  • Date: September 3, 2026 from 2:00-3:30 pm
  • Platform: MS Teams
Session 6 - Analytics & Student Activity (Illuminate)
  • Date: October 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm
  • Platform: MS Teams

Past Sessions

Blackboard Modernization with Transition to Ultra

Blackboard Ultra is the modern, streamlined version of the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS), designed to offer a more intuitive, responsive, and engaging experience for both instructors and students.

Since UTMB's initial move to Ultra Base Navigation in December 2023, most schools have transitioned to Ultra Courses—or are in the process.

UTMB's deadline to transition to Ultra is Fall 2026.

We strongly recommend making the move well before this date to ensure adequate time for training, design, and support.

Read More: Blackboard: End of Support for Original Courses (.docx)

Review: Transition Timeline | Resources | FAQ | Retention Policies

Ultra Transition Timeline & Original Course End-of-Life

Note: scroll left to view full table on mobile devices.

DateMilestone
Dec 2023Ultra Base Navigation enabled – a modern, intuitive menu outside of courses. No change to existing course format (Original courses remain).
Spring 2024Explore Ultra Courses – AC provides sandboxes and resources and works with schools/groups to facilitate transition planning and to provide support for early adopters.
Summer 2024Ultra Courses available for pilot groups.
Fall 2024Ultra Courses officially supported; depending on a school/program transition plan, instructors may choose Ultra or Original format.
Fall 2026UTMB's official deadline to transition to Ultra: All courses must be transitioned to Ultra by the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester.
Dec 31, 2026Blackboard ends support for Original Courses. Learn what this means for you and your Original courses.
Jan 01, 2027Remaining Original Courses become Read-Only in the system.
Jan 2028Remaining Original Courses are automatically converted to Ultra format.

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