What can I customize and manage in my Ultra course?

Course Customization Options

At the system level and within the course view, the Ultra Experience looks the same in every course and institution. UMBC cannot change the style or function of the Ultra Experience.

Customization

Original

Ultra

Comments

Customization

Original

Ultra

Comments

Upload course banner

Yes

Yes

You can upload a course banner that is at least 1200 x 240 pixels.
See → How do I add a banner image to my Ultra course?

Add to course menu

Yes

No

The course outline functions as your course menu.

Customize menu style

Yes

No

The course outline functions as your course menu and there are no styles to select.

Turning tools on or off

Yes

No

Core Blackboard tools cannot be disabled. Please see → Why can't I turn off certain tools in my Ultra course?
The Bb system admin controls which licensed tools and integrations are available in all courses.
Instructors choose which tools to deploy in the content areas.

In future releases, instructors may have some flexibility to turn off certain tools, but these privileges will be defined by Bb system administrators.

Select course theme

No

No

Under consideration for Ultra courses. No timeline yet.

Fonts & colors

Yes

No

Functioning as designed to support accessibility.
You can customize some colors and fonts through the content editor, but not folder or learning module titles.

Course Management Options

As with course customization, there are certain components of an Ultra course that can be managed by the instructor while other elements are controlled by the institution. Some system settings are fixed by default by Blackboard and cannot be changed.

 

Controlled by

Tool or Setting

Instructor

Institution

Blackboard

Course availability

 

Course completion

 

 

Course language

 

 

Course ID

 

 

Course name

 

Course tools (system)

 

 

Course tools (licensed)

 

 

Combined section enrollments

 

Guest access 

Not yet supported in Ultra

Official student enrollments

 

 

Additional support staff (TAs, etc.)

 

 

This list will be updated as other items are identified.