On-Campus Blackboard Course Setup

Blackboard Course example showing message: "there are no available items in this course". Content request is required.

If you see this message, content must be added to the course shell. Please access the On-Campus Blackboard Course Management website.

Course Setup

Faculty must submit course requests using the Blackboard Course Management website:

  1. Go to the Blackboard Course Management website and login with your UMass Lowell credentials
  2. Select Make Request (on left menu)
  3. Merge your courses (pdf) (if desired)
  4. Copy content or a template to your courses
  5. Select the current term - continue
  6. Select your destination course - continue:
    • a. Add a new course menu/template (to start building from scratch) or
    • b. Copy content from one of your current or previous Blackboard course(s)

You can also show or hide courses.

Changes will be applied to your course(s) within 1 hour.

If you have questions regarding course setup, please email: bbhelp@uml.edu.

Blackboard course management webpage

⁠Merge

For instructors teaching multiple sections: Select "Class Merge" to combine multiple sections into one Master Course; this step is optional. Blackboard - Merging job aid (pdf). This option will no longer be available to faculty once classes start for the semester. To merge after the start of classes email bbhelp@uml.edu

Merging courses allows instructors to manage one master section; students registered in all child sections will see the same content. Merged courses warning: If by merging, students become enrolled in more than one course within a merged set, such as 101 with 201, the SiS grade center import function may fail. Grades for students with overlapping enrollments may not sync from Blackboard to SiS.

Availability

Use of the Learning Management System, Blackboard, is strongly recommended to promote student success and provide a consistent learning environment. Empty Blackboard shells have been created for all traditional courses; faculty should copy content or request a template and provide a syllabus for students. Please communicate with students regarding how you plan to use Blackboard.

Non-traditional course shells (competency, dissertation, independent study, internship, thesis) have also been created; however, they have been made unavailable by default. Faculty can use the Blackboard shell by making it available and adding content at any time during the semester.

What is availability?

The availability request allows faculty to show or hide a Blackboard course shell from students in Blackboard. We strongly suggest that faculty avoid hiding traditional Blackboard shells; however, this practice is preferred if the shell is empty. Availability job aid (pdf). 

Course Menu 5. Course Content: Each semester you must copy content from one of your current or previous courses or request a new course template. *A New course template provides consistency for the student experience with a standardized course menu.

Standard Course Template

The recommended template has three course content folders that can be edited or deleted. The course menu has the Home Page, Announcements, Blackboard Collaborate, My Grades and other hidden communication tools that are optional.

Any questions about how to edit your course menu or content, email: bbhelp@uml.edu.

Blackboard workshops are available during winter and summer breaks. Visit the CELT website for details.

FAQ

Where do I log into On-Campus Blackboard?

The direct URL for On-Campus Blackboard is https://lowell.umassonline.net but you can find the log in and technical support for both the OCE and On-Campus Blackboard at the Blackboard Portal: uml.edu/blackboard. Once logged in, users can toggle between OCE and On-Campus Blackboard with the button-link at the top right of the window titled "Go to OCE" or "Go to On-Campus."

What is merging blackboard shells?

Merging is used to combine multiple sections of a course in to one so instructors only need to manage one Blackboard course. In On-Campus Blackboard, the instructor selects one course to be the master (parent) course and then selects other courses (sections) to merge into it in SIS. Merging Blackboard shells merges the enrollments for all courses selected into the single master course shell. This includes all students and any other instructors or TAs. Once courses are merged students will only see content that appears in the master (parent) course. Additional instructors and TAs will have the same permissions in the master course as they did in the merged (child) course.

For questions or help merging courses see the job aid or contact bbhelp@uml.edu.

When can I select what courses I want to have a Blackboard shell?

The Office of the Registrar will communicate via email when course set up is available for the upcoming semester. A notice will appear in Blackboard on the Information for Faculty page. You can also check the Blackboard Portal at www.uml.edu/blackboard or the On-Campus Information for Faculty page to see if course set up is available.

 

Why can't I tag my course in SIS to give it a shell?

There are a few possibilities:

  • Courses offered through OCE are not able to be tagged in SIS.
  • Courses running in a non-traditional term may not be available to tag in SIS.
  • Tagging is not yet available for the next term.
For questions or help with On-Campus Blackboard course set up, check the On-Campus Information for Faculty page, contact bbhelp@uml.edu or call the IT Service Desk at 978-934-HELP (4357).
When will I see my empty course shells appear in On-Campus Blackboard?

Courses normally appear in On-Campus Blackboard within 24 hours of tagging the course in SIS. Reminder: Instructors must request content for their courses (see step 3 of course set up on the Information for Faculty page).

For more help contact bbhelp@uml.edu or call the IT Service Desk at 978-934-HELP (4357).

How long does it take to get content copied into my new shell?

Most content requests can be completed in On-Campus Blackboard within 24 hours. Courses that require materials to be transferred from the Online and Continuing Education (OCE) Blackboard system may incur additional processing time; please allow up to 2 business days for completion of OCE transfer requests.

When do On-Campus Blackboard courses become available to students?

On-Campus courses are available to students on the first day of the term.

What do I log in with?

On-Campus Blackboard users will log in with their campus credentials.

  • Faculty will log in using their @uml email.
  • Students and TAs will log in with their @student email accounts.
What if I forgot, or need to change my password?

Manage your password using the Password Requirements webpage.

To reset your password, use the Self-Service Password Reset service.

If you can't remember the answers to your authentication questions, please call the IT Service Desk during EST business hours (8 a .m.-5 p.m.) at 978-934-HELP (4357).

How do I get Blackboard access for a TA or Grader?

TAs and Graders with the appropriate contract in HR can be enrolled through the Office of the Registrar by completing an online form.

Why is my course shell empty and has no menu?

Students report they can not see my content:

All courses are created empty. Instructors must either request a new course template or copy content from another course (see step 3 of course set up).

Mac Users Known Issue: Grade Center Scroll Bar Missing

MAC USERS: KNOWN ISSUE

Apple devices have a default setting that prevents instructors from seeing a scroll bar in the Full Grade Center. To change this setting: select the apple menu (top left) > select System Preferences > select General > set “Show scroll bars” to “Always” by selecting the radio button.

If you need assistance please try our Job Aid (pdf).

What is a New Template?

Requesting a new course template: This option provides you a default course menu to build a course from scratch. If you select a new course template, confirm your selection and click submit. Make another request if you need to request content or templates for additional courses.

Can I import grades from Blackboard to SiS?

Yes. Beginning in Fall 2018, faculty will have the option to import final letter grades from your On-Campus Blackboard grade center to your SiS grade roster. Learn more at the On-Campus Blackboard Grade Center synchronization information page.

How do I change a test for a student with accommodations?

Use the Test Availability Exceptions: Job Aid for Test Availability Exceptions (pdf).

How can I set a test to open at a different time for one or two students?

Use the Test Availability Exceptions: Job Aid for Test Availability Exceptions (pdf).