Blackboard Ultra Conversion and Timeline
Converting to Blackboard Ultra
Blackboard Ultra is the next generation learning management system experience designed to make teaching simpler, more consistent, and more engaging for both faculty and students. Built on the same Blackboard platform you already use, Ultra features a cleaner interface, streamlined course design, and improved tools for communication, grading, and accessibility—without requiring advanced technical skills.
Timeline
The transition to Ultra will take place in phases:
- Summer bulk conversion is underway.
- All Fall 2026 course will be bulk converted to Ultra.
This phased approach allows faculty time to learn about the new environment, participate in training and support opportunities, and prepare their courses confidently.
Summer 2026 Timeline
- Copy materials from Original to summer course shells by March 25. Instructors who do not copy by the deadline, will receive an empty Ultra course shell on April 16.
- Blackboard course conversion March 26 - April 15. Please do not make any changes during the conversion window.
- Ultra courses released to instructors on April 16.
Fall 2026 Timeline
- Copy materials to fall Original course shells by April 17. Instructors who do not copy by the deadline, will receive an empty Ultra course shell on May 26.
- Blackboard course conversion April 20- May 25. Please do not make any changes during the conversion window.
- Ultra courses released to instructors on May 26.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can choose to build your course directly in Ultra—either by copying from an existing course (Original or Ultra) or by creating your course from scratch. You may begin this process on May 26.
- For those who want a head start, an Ultra “sandbox” course will be available for each faculty member in the next few weeks.
Ultra Course Checklist and Terminology
It may be confusing or difficult to decide where to start reviewing your converted Ultra courses. Try using these lists to get you started.
Blackboard Original and Ultra Terminology
Converting to Ultra
Copy Course from Original/Ultra to Ultra Guide
What is an Exception Report?
If the system encounters problems with a content copy, an error report appears at the top of the Course Content page.
- Select View Exceptions to learn more about why the content failed to copy. On the Exceptions Report, review exceptions by category.
- Select a category to access a list of items that weren’t copied and a brief explanation. For some exceptions, you may need to manually create this item in your new course. For example, Wikis are not converted from Original to Ultra. And a few test question types do not exist yet in Ultra.
- Review the Exception Report. If needed, request to work with an instructional designer or technician to help you understand the Exception Report and options to remediate.