Problem
USJ is moving to Blackboard Ultra, which represents a significant change in the look and feel of courses. While Blackboard Ultra offers improved usability and accessibility, the new features and workflows will require faculty and students to learn new approaches to navigating their courses.
The resources provided in this article are meant to provide faculty with an overview of converting their course to Blackboard Ultra, as well as new features they can expect in their updated courses.
Environment
Blackboard Ultra courses and organizations
Resolution
In October 2025-August 2026, Blackboard offered faculty workshops on the following topics:
- Creating Dynamic Content
- Transitioning Courses to Blackboard Ultra
- Ally Instructor Readiness Training
- Assessing Student Learning
- Empowering Instructors with the AI Design Assistant
- Ultra Gradebook
Click on the link above to access video recordings of the trainings.
Blackboard Professional Development offers a self-paced training on getting started with Ultra. If you register with your USJ email address, you can log in and sign up for "Blackboard Teaching Essentials" or "Blackboard LMS First Term Success." Click on the link above to register for training. Note: This self-paced training is not managed by USJ. It will not appear in the same Blackboard environment as your regular courses.
Cause
Blackboard has made the decision to discontinue the Original course view effective December 30, 2026. USJ is beginning to migrate to Ultra now so that students and faculty are prepared for the new course views by Spring 2027.