New & Upcoming
What’s New in Blackboard – April 2025
There are robust new features and enhancements to Blackboard coming this month. The latest release is full of features in the areas of Instructional Design, Gradebook, Mastery Learning and Learning Pathways, Communication and Collaboration, and more. These improvements will benefit instructors, students, and administrators. The full patch notes are available here: Blackboard April Update
Video Recordings from Anthology Days Now Available
Click Here Blackboard Ultra
You will have to be signed into your USI account to access the folder and files
Webinar Videos
Our path to Blackboard Modernization is on track for fall 2025 and we are committed to providing you with the resources you need to successfully transition your courses from the Original Course View to the Ultra Course View. Anthology offers a series of free webinars that discuss topics ranging from course design, to AI, to accessibility, to help you meet your goals. You can find these webinars here: Blackboard Modernization Webinar Series
Open Office Hours
This is a set time each week where faculty can drop in to get assistance with their Ultra classes. One or more Ultra experts will be available to answer any questions you might have. Each week, there will be a face-to-face session and a virtual session.
- Tuesdays at 2:00pm (F2F): Rice Library Lab A
- Fridays at 10:00am (Zoom): Meeting ID: 986 3696 4585
Resources for Students
Blackboard Ultra Knowledge Base
Internal help and documentation for instructors and students using Ultra course view in Blackboard. Covers getting started, adding content to courses, and navigating the platform.
The starting point for everything Learn Ultra for you, as a student. Find how to start as a new user, common questions, and a guide for troubleshooting. You can also choose to explore and learn about accessibility on Learn, assignments, course content, grading, tests, pools and surveys, and how to better interact with instructors and your track performance, among other interesting topics.
YouTube Playlist for Blackboard Ultra
A collection of video resources for students produced by both Anthology and the CTLE for Blackboard Ultra. Contains short videos covering navigation and interaction.
On-Site Help and Troubleshooting
Our helpdesk technicians are here to assist you with anything that you can't get figured out. Navigating, account issues, and general questions are all welcome. Just submit a ticket or stop by the lower level of the Wright Admin Building (just across from the Orr Center, near the Forums and Red Mango).
Resources for Instructors
While the project is still in the initial phases, being primarily led by self-taught super users, we seek to provide transparency and welcome communication from the campus community. All instructors have been provided with a blank Ultra course shell to play around in, and any questions beyond what the resources below provide can be directed to Shannon Hoehn, Project Manager or Juzar Ahmed, Product Owner
Blackboard Ultra Knowledge Base
Internal help and documentation for instructors and students using Ultra course view in Blackboard. Covers getting started, adding content to courses, and navigating the platform.
The starting point for everything Learn Ultra for you, as an instructor. Find how to start as a new user, common questions, and a guide for troubleshooting. You can also choose to explore and learn about accessibility on Learn, assignments, course content, grading, tests, pools and surveys, and how to better interact with students or how to set up a course and track performance, among other interesting topics.
The Anthology Idea Exchange allows you to share, like, vote, and comment on your favorite ideas, proposed and submitted by Anthology clients. Drive change in the EdTech community by sharing your ideas today. You will need to sign up for an account to share your ideas and you can sign up to receive status updates for any of the product suggestions available.
Instructor Webinar Series: Teaching in Blackboard Learn Ultra
This webinar series is designed for Instructors who are new to Blackboard Learn Ultra. Includes links to videos on topics including assessments, gradebook, student engagement, and more.
Anthology Day Recordings
Recorded Sessions from 2/21. Organizational Account Required
Ultra 101: Hierarchy & Basic Course Design
Refining Your Course - Lessons Learned
A Deep Dive into Exams and the Gradebook
YouTube Playlist for Blackboard Ultra
A collection of video resources for instructors produced by both Anthology and the CTLE for Blackboard Ultra. Contains short videos covering content creation and navigation.
Proctoring Solutions Zoom Recording
Instructions and troubleshooting for setting up proctoring in Blackboard Ultra
On-Demand Webinars and Info Sessions
Looking for inspiration and guidance on your Blackboard® Learn Ultra journey? Discover best practices and uncover meaningful insights from upcoming and on-demand webinars. Includes topics on navigation, course planning, and more.
Project Information
In the spring of 2024, as part of our mission to improve student success, USI began the process of transitioning our LMS to Blackboard Learn Ultra. As part of the project process and in accordance with our desire for transparency, this page will serve as a timeline for the transition and a resource for members of the project team and faculty.
Why move to Blackboard Learn Ultra?
Supports teaching workflows, making it easier for instructors to teach and improve student outcomes
Simplified navigation
Data-driven learning analytics
Intuitive mobile-friendly experience.
Created in collaboration with real-life instructors and students
Proposed Timeline – Development to Full Adoption
FALL 2024 – DEVELOPMENT
Three Groups
- IT Led (Scheduled & Drop-in Sessions, Website)
- Online (OCDP, Online Training)
- Super Users (Self-Taught)
SPRING & SUMMER 2025 – DEVELOPMENT & TEACHING
- Same development opportunities as Fall 2024
- Fall 2024 and SPRING 2025 developed courses taught in Spring & Summer
FALL 2025 – FULL TRANSITION TO ULTRA
- All course shells for Fall 2025 provisioned in the Ultra Course Experience
- All faculty teaching on Ultra course experience
Ultra Transition Core Project Team
Shannon Hoehn, IT Project Manager
Juzar Ahmed, Director of Endpoint & Academic Technology
Walter Fisher, Senior Applications Administrator (LMS Lead Admin)
Laurie Wilson, Senior Applications Administrator (LMS Admin)
Kyle Tharp, IT Business Manager (Business Analyst, Website Lead)
Dr. Brian Crose, Director of Online Learning
Robert Dickes, Assistant Professor of Photography and Digital Imaging
Spence Farmer, Online Learning