Courses follow a three-step process during the Blackboard Ultra transition. Faculty first copy their content into the Blackboard Original course shell by the deadline. After that, Blackboard converts the course to Ultra, and no action is needed during this step. Once conversion is complete, faculty receive their Ultra course to review, edit, and finalize before the semester begins. It is expected that courses will appear in Original during the copy phase.

🎓 Ultra Transition (Summer & Fall 2026)

📌 TL;DR

• You will start in Blackboard Original
• Blackboard will convert your course to Ultra
• You will finish building and editing in Ultra

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🔄 How the Process Works

🟠 Step 1: Copy Your Course (Original)

You will begin working in your Blackboard Original course shell.

• Copy your content into the Original course
• This is the only step you complete before conversion
• Once your copy is done, you can pause

👉 Important: Your course will still look like “Original” at this stage—this is expected

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🔵 Step 2: Blackboard Converts Your Course

After the copy deadline:

• Blackboard will convert your course to Ultra
• This process is handled by Blackboard engineers
• No action is needed from you during this time

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🟢 Step 3: Review & Edit in Ultra

Once conversion is complete:

• You will receive your Ultra course
• Review your content carefully
• Make updates, fix formatting, and finalize your course

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☀️ Summer 2026 Timeline

✔️ If you copied your course by March 25:

• Course is being converted to Ultra
• Your Ultra course will be available starting April 15

❗ If you did NOT copy by March 25:

• You your Original empty shell will be converted to an Ultra empty shell on April 15
• You can:
  • Copy from a previous course
  • Build from scratch

🍂 Fall 2026 Timeline

🗓️ By April 17:

• Important: You will work in Blackboard Original first. Your course will be converted to Ultra after content is copied.
• Copy your content into your Fall Original course shell

🗓️ Starting April 20:

• Blackboard begins converting Fall courses to Ultra

🗓️ May 26: 

• Your Ultra course will be available
• Begin reviewing and editing your course

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my course still in Blackboard Original?

This is expected. All courses are first prepared in Original and then converted to Ultra after content is copied.

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Do I need to do anything during the conversion process?

No—Blackboard handles the conversion. You’ll be notified when your Ultra course is ready.

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Will my content transfer perfectly to Ultra?

Most content transfers well, but you should review:

• Formatting (spacing, fonts, layout)
• Links inside announcements or folders
• Discussions, assessments and gradebook
• due dates 
• see also the OLT Ultra Post Conversion Checklist

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What if I want to start building in Ultra now?

We are working on providing Ultra sandbox courses for faculty. More information will be shared soon.

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🛠 Need Help?

The Online Learning & Technology (OLT) team is here to support you with:

• Course copy assistance
• Ultra training sessions
• One-on-one support

👉 Visit the OLT website or submit an OLT help request anytime