Blackboard Course Shell

The Blackboard course shell is a preloaded set of materials included in every course section each semester. It is designed to reduce course setup time for instructors and provide a consistent starting point for students.

The course shell is voluntary. Instructors can use it as-is, customize it, or remove it entirely. It will not overwrite any content added to a course.

What’s in the Course Shell

Start Here page. A landing page that orients students to the course, including how to navigate the site, where to find key materials, and how to get help.

Module structure. A ready-made framework for organizing course materials by week or unit. Instructors can use the structure as-is or adjust it to fit their teaching approach.

Honorlock resources. A pre-built module that gives students a self-service starting point for Honorlock proctoring setup. Instructors can use it as-is, adapt it, or remove it entirely.

Student resources. Links to academic support services, campus resources, and Blackboard help guides.

Course Design Checklist

The updated course shell reflects best practices for LMS setup. You can use the Course Quality Checklist as a guide when building or updating your course in Blackboard. The checklist covers key elements of course setup and helps ensure your course is well-organized and accessible for students.

Who Built the Course Shell

The development process included the Office of Teaching and Learning and Information Technology, with feedback from Faculty Affairs, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and Student Government.

Share Your Feedback

The course shell is a living resource. We will continue to refine the template based on instructor feedback and experience. Share your experience through our feedback form.

Support

Contact the Instructional Design Center for all support questions related to this updated template. Instructional Designers can consult with instructors to modify the template to meet individual course needs.