Updated Course Shell Available in Blackboard for Fall 2026
Posted: 2026-04-17 08:48:00 Expiration: 2026-05-15 08:48:00
Beginning with fall 2026 courses, every Blackboard section will include an optional, preloaded course shell with a standardized layout, module structure, and student resources designed to reduce instructor setup time and give students a consistent experience across courses.
Starting with fall courses (made available this spring), every course in Blackboard will include an updated course shell designed to give instructors a head start on course setup. The goal is to provide a consistent and intuitive layout so students can easily locate syllabi, assignments, and course materials. It should also reduce the time you spend setting up courses, allowing you to focus more on content and teaching.
Use of the course shell is voluntary, but strongly encouraged. You are welcome to use it as-is, modify it to fit your needs, or remove it entirely. It will not overwrite any content you add to your courses.
What’s Included
The updated course shell includes these components:
Start Here page. A landing page that orients students to the course and helps them find what they need from day one. This reduces the number of early-semester questions about where things are and how the course is organized.
Module structure. A ready-made framework for organizing your course materials. You can use the structure as-is, adjust it to match your teaching approach, or use it as a reference point when building out your own layout.
Student resources. A curated set of resources to help students navigate Blackboard, access academic support, and find campus services. These are the kinds of links and guides that many instructors already include. Now they are built in and you don’t have to spend time tracking down information.
Why We Built This
The shell was developed at the request of our student Government academic affairs representatives to create a more consistent experience for students. When students know where to find key information, regardless of the course, they spend less time figuring out navigation and asking questions and more time learning.
Instructors also consistently report that course setup in Blackboard takes time they would rather spend on teaching. The course shell addresses that directly. With foundational materials already in place, you can focus your preparation on content, activities, and engagement rather than building basic course infrastructure from scratch each semester.
Who Was Involved
The development process included the Office of Teaching and Learning and Information Technology. Faculty Affairs personnel and the Faculty Senate Executive Committee provided feedback during development to ensure the shell reflects instructor priorities and practical classroom needs. Student Government provided feedback to ensure the shell reflects the student experience and supports the resources students rely on most.
What to Expect
Fall 2026 courses will be available to instructors in Blackboard in early May. When they are available, you will see the updated course shell already in place. You can explore it, customize it, or remove any part of it. Nothing will be locked, and nothing will overwrite materials you add to the course. Instructional designers in the IDC are available for consultation on individual course needs.
A First Step, Not a Final Product
We will continue to refine the template based on your feedback and experience. Please share your thoughts and suggestions through our feedback form.
Support
Instructional Designers can consult with instructors to modify the template to meet individual course needs.
-- Academic Affairs: Haley Hamel