Introduction

In the diverse learning environment of our university, it’s crucial to provide equitable access to all students. Blackboard Ultra offers tools to set up accommodations and create exceptions for assignments and tests, ensuring that students with special needs receive the support they require. This guide will walk you through the processes of creating accommodations and exceptions, enhancing your ability to support all students effectively.

Setting Up Accommodations

Accommodations ensure that students with documented needs receive the necessary adjustments to fully participate in their courses. This process not only meets legal requirements but also aligns with inclusive teaching practices that emphasize accessibility and student support.

Here’s how you can set them up:

1. Access the Course by logging into Blackboard Ultra and navigating to the course where you want to set up accommodations.

2. Click on the Roster from the Course Tools menu.

3. Find and select the student you want to provide accommodations for by clicking on their name.

4. Open Accommodations Settings by clicking the Accommodations tab 

5. Set the Required Accommodations by checking Due date accommodation  and/or Time limit accommodation. 

6. Click Save to apply the accommodation.

Creating Exceptions for Assignments

Exceptions allow for flexibility in meeting students' needs without compromising the course’s integrity. By providing exceptions, you can offer personalized support to students who require adjustments due to unique circumstances. This is different than a legal accommodation, is specific for each assignment and is up to the discretion of the instructor. 

Steps to Create Assignment Exceptions:

1. Go to the Assignments section in your course and click on the assignment you want to modify.

2. Click on Submissions. You will be taken to a list of all students who are enrolled in the course.

3. Select the ellipsis on the right side of their name. A drop-down menu is displayed.

4. Select Add or edit exceptions to access the Exceptions menu. The Exceptions panel is displayed.

5. Select and enter the due date, the visibility dates, and Attempts allowed. 

6. Click Save. You can reset exceptions by clicking the elipses and selecting the reset option.

Creating Exceptions for Tests

When special circumstances arise, you can give an individual student an exception on a specific test or assignment. An exception includes additional attempts, rescheduled due dates, or extended access, even if the assessment is hidden from other students.  

Individual exceptions for extended access are only applicable if you have set conditional availability —show on and hide after dates— on the assessment. 

Examples include:

1. • Test with one attempt: Allow more attempts for a student who is visually impaired and wants to use screen reader technology for the first time.

   • New assessment due date: Set a new due date for a student in a regional competition, so they can submit the assessment after coming back. 

   • Assignment with the conditional availability of Hide after date and time: Extend the access to an assignment for a student with internet issues. If the due date and time are the same as the originals, the submission is still marked late in the gradebook. To avoid this, you can set a new Hide after date and time.

Create an assessment exception

You can add an exception to an individual student or to a group from the assessment's Submissions page. You can also add exceptions from the grading page when grading a student's submission. 

1. From an assessment's Submissions page, open the menu in a student's row and select Add or edit exceptions. 

2. The Exceptions panel opens. To help you ensure the accuracy of an exception, the Exceptions panel features relevant information such as the course, assessment, and student’s name. 

3. You can change the Show on and Hide after dates and times, allow additional attempts, and select a new due date.

4. Click Save to create the Exception.