UMBC reaches 99.6% Ultra adoption for Fall 2024 term

After five years of a phased migration, more than 99% of all available Blackboard courses for the fall semester are now using Ultra. This marks a significant milestone in our transition from Blackboard Original with only seven courses still using the legacy system until December 31, 2024.

“I want to thank the Deans, all faculty and students, and especially DoIT’s instructional technology team, for their collaboration, patience and hard work,” says John Fritz, Associate Vice President for Instructional Technology. “I know this was a lot of work over a long period, including the pandemic, but I’m thrilled we’ll all be able to focus on supporting one version of Blackboard and helping the campus community make the best use of it.”

Image 1: Rate of Ultra adoption since Spring 2020

UMBC began using Blackboard Ultra in 2018 with a small pilot involving four faculty members. Since then, adoption grew slowly, but steadily. By Spring 2024, nearly 70% of available courses were delivered in Ultra. DoIT announced that all courses for the fall term would be created in Ultra with a one-time rollback option for COEIT and CNMS (CAHSS had agreed to do so a year ago). More than 125 faculty attended Ultra training in August to prepare for or refresh their Ultra courses.

Instructional Technology continues to work closely with faculty and departments to ensure a smooth transition before the end of Original deadline. For more information about Ultra, please visit the Instructional Technology group on myUMBC or umbc.edu/go/ultra.

Connect with Instructional Technology

As always, if you have any questions about teaching, learning, and technology at UMBC, please consider the following options:

• Check our extensive FAQ collection 
• What's new in Ultra? | Known Issues 
• Open a ticket via RT
• Follow the Instructional Technology & DoIT myUMBC groups
• Request a consult with instructional technology staff
• PIVOT | Academic Continuity | Keep On Teaching | Student Technology Resources

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UMBC is committed to providing a consistent learning experience for everyone. The last day we will support Blackboard Original is December 31, 2024. Please check out our training and support: umbc.edu/go/ultra

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