PortalStart of Semester Procedures
The following information can help answer frequently asked questions about common Blackboard procedures for the beginning of the semester. If you cannot locate an answer or need additional assistance, please contact the IDDC at iddc@ysu.edu or x1535.
When will my courses appear on Blackboard?
All courses are loaded into Blackboard 8 weeks before the first day of the term. If the term has not started yet, you can filter your course list to show upcoming courses to locate the course.
I am assigned to teach a course but it is not appearing on Blackboard. How do I get it added?
Blackboard courses are created on the basis of who is assigned as the instructor in Banner. Verify that you are assigned as the instructor in Banner. If you are not, you will need to reach out to your department to add you as the instructor in Banner.
I am assigned as the instructor in Banner but my course is not appearing on Blackboard. How do I get it added?
You will need to work with your department to make sure the box is checked for Primary Instructor in Banner. If this box is not checked, the Blackboard course will not be created even though you are listed as the instructor. Keep in mind that it can take up to 24 hours for Blackboard to reflect any changes in Banner.
When will my students appear in my Blackboard course?
Students are loaded into all Blackboard courses two weeks prior to the term. Even though students are loaded into the course two weeks prior to the term, they will not have access until the first day of the semester.
My course is in Blackboard but it is blank. How do I get content from a previous term into my current course?
Email iddc@ysu.edu to request content from a previous course be copied in a current course. It is strongly recommended to do this early due to the high demand of incoming requests at the start of the semester. All course items will be copied from the previous course except for the roster and corresponding grades. You can also copy content from prior courses by following these directions:
Copy content for an Ultra View course
Copy content for an Original View course
I teach multiple sections of the same course. Can I have all students added into one course?
Yes, it is possible to combine multiple sections together into one course as long as all the sections are identical. Combining sections can streamline course material and communications. Contact iddc@ysu.edu with all section CRNs you would like to merge together.
Will my due dates and availability conditions be automatically updated?
No, due dates and availability conditions will have to be updated prior to every term. Please note that in an Ultra course, availability conditions for discussions located in a folder/module have to be updated for the folder/module as well as in the discussion boards tab.