Summer 2019 and Earlier UA Blackboard Courses Being Removed

October 21, 2022

UA Blackboard Learn is currently undergoing a storage management review to avoid overage costs that would be incurred if storage space allowances were exceeded. As part of this periodic upkeep, starting on October 28, 2022 UAA and UAF Academic Courses from Summer 2019 and earlier that have not had activity in the last two years will be removed from active status. Development shells, non-academic courses, and academic courses from Summer 2019 and earlier that have been accessed within the last two years WILL NOT be removed from active status.

Can I still have access to an old, inactive course?

Courses that are removed from active status in Blackboard will no longer be accessible by students or instructors, however course archives will be retained offline. You may request an archive or course restore by submitting a ticket to your IT Help Desk for support (UAA/UAF-OIT).

How can I retain copies of my course(s) and/or course materials?

Instructors who wish to retain personal copies of their courses can create offline course packages using Blackboard’s course exports or course archives tool. To help decide which solution is the best fit, here’s a quick description of what each feature preserves:

  • Course Exports preserves all content items for reuse, but does not preserve any student data (e.g. completed work, grades). This solution is ideal for retaining copies of content for future use and/or course building.
  • Course Archives preserves all content items for reuse, including all student data, enrollment records and grades. This solution is ideal for retaining copies of an entire course for the purpose of external accreditation or review. As archives contain student data, they must be secured in accordance with FERPA guidelines. For more information about FERPA, please contact your Registrar’s Office (UAA Registrar’s Office /UAF Registrar’s Office)

What if I need help? 

If you require assistance using Blackboard’s course exports or course archives tool, please contact your IT Help Desk for support (UAA/UAF-OIT).