Virtual and in-person Blackboard Ultra training sessions schedule

In preparation of the upcoming semester and the switch to Blackboard Ultra, several training sessions have been scheduled both virtually and in-person to help employees become familiar with the system. 

Getting Started in Blackboard Ultra: Build Smart from the Start

Virtual: 1 p.m. August 5, Zoom ID: 945 8547 6323
In-person: 10 a.m. August 14 in BE 2001

New to Blackboard Ultra? This hands-on session is designed for faculty just getting started. Learn how to thoughtfully design your course structure—by weeks, topics, or themes—for clarity and flow. We’ll show you how to create and organize documents, add assessments, and copy content from previous courses. Discover why starting fresh in Ultra can lead to a cleaner, more effective learning experience for you and your students. Build your course with confidence and intention from day one!

Getting Started with the Gradebook: Setting Up for Success in Blackboard Ultra

Virtual: Noon August 6, Zoom ID: 960 3260 0099
In-person: Noon August 14 in BE 2001

Ready to take control of your grades in Blackboard Ultra? This session is perfect for faculty just getting started. We’ll walk through how to set up the overall grade, create and manage grade categories, apply weighted grading, and organize grade items to match your course structure. You’ll also learn how to track student progress, simplify grading workflows, and ensure your Gradebook reflects your syllabus from day one. With practical tips and a clear setup process, you’ll leave ready to grade with confidence.

Blackboard Ultra Open Lab: Drop In & Build On

Virtual: 2 p.m. August 4, Zoom ID: 996 6371 5746
In-person: 2 p.m. August 12; 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. August 13; 1 p.m. August 15 in BE 2001

Need a hand building your Blackboard Ultra course? Drop in during our open lab hours for one-on-one support, quick answers, or help tackling specific tasks—no appointment needed! Whether you're starting from scratch, copying content, organizing materials, or fine-tuning your Gradebook, we're here to help. Stay for five minutes or the whole time—come with questions, leave with progress!

Blackboard Ultra Basics: Your First Steps to a Ready Course

Virtual: 1 p.m. August 7, Zoom ID: 998 9616 0200
In-person: 2 p.m. August 14; 10 a.m. August 15 in BE 2001

New to Blackboard Ultra? This essential session is designed just for you. We’ll walk through the Ultra interface step by step—how to navigate your course, add content, structure your materials by weeks or topics, and upload your syllabus. You'll also get a hands-on look at posting announcements, creating a welcome message, and preparing your course for students. Whether you're building from scratch or using copied content, this session will give you the confidence to get started and go live with your first Ultra course.

For more information or questions, please reach out to Shannon Hoehn, IT Project Manager, at smhoehn@usi.edu. There will still be traditional open office hours on Tuesday, August 5 in BE 2001 and a virtual session at 10 a.m. Friday, August 8 via Zoom.