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Introduction
Introduction
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is preparing to transition all schools—including the School of Social Work—to Blackboard Ultra by the end of 2026.
This transition hub is designed to help you navigate the move smoothly and confidently. Below, you’ll find key information about our projected deployment timeline, opportunities to request your own personal Blackboard Ultra sandbox for hands-on exploration, and details about available support options, including group training sessions and 1:1 assistance.
Let’s get ready—together—for what’s next in online learning at UMB.
Transition Timeline
Transition Timeline
What is Blackboard Ultra?
What is Blackboard Ultra?
In short, Blackboard Ultra is a modern version of the Blackboard version instructors are familiar with. The biggest change is that the look and feel simplifies the course layout. Instead of the customizable menu on the left like in Classic, Ultra uses a consistent top navigation bar with fixed sections such as Content, Calendar, Discussions, and Gradebook. The biggest downside to this is that it is fixed and cannot be altered. The idea is to create a more predictable experience for students across courses. Instructors are still allowed and encouraged to organize and present materials clearly within the Content area where there is full control.
Some features from Classic are reimagined in Ultra, so it’s not a one-to-one match. For example, tools like blogs and wikis are no longer available, and the course menu is no longer editable. However, features like copying content, adding assignments, and managing discussions still exist—just accessed in a more centralized and simplified interface. The learning curve is real, but manageable, and support resources like this page and 1:1 personal training sessions are available to help with the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to switch to Blackboard Ultra or can I stay in Blackboard Classic?
Do I have to switch to Blackboard Ultra or can I stay in Blackboard Classic?
You have to switch. Unfortunately the timetable and decision for this is out of our hands. Blackboard Classic will no longer be updated or supported by Anthology (the company that creates Blackboard) after December 2026.
Other universities I know use Canvas or other LMS systems, can't we switch to that instead?
Other universities I know use Canvas or other LMS systems, can't we switch to that instead?
Because the SSW is part of a larger University system, we have to comply with University wide decisions. A switch to another LMS would have to be agreed to by all schools and would have to be financially tenable, which is not the case currently.
I don't want to have to rebuild something again. I have already built it once. Please don't make me!
I don't want to have to rebuild something again. I have already built it once. Please don't make me!
We won't make you, and you won't need to rebuild. Blackboard has a conversion tool that will convert your content over to Blackboard Ultra when the time comes. Apart from a few tools that are not present in Blackboard Ultra (wikis and blogs mostly), all other content will convert over.*
*As previously noted, Content transfers from Classic to Ultra, but side menu items do not. If you have a link on the side menu of your Current Blackboard Course, it will not copy over and you will have to re-create that. But, you will have the option of booking a 1:1 time slot with an IDEA Team Member to either do it with you, teach you how or do it for you.
What is the absolute latest date I can make the switch?
What is the absolute latest date I can make the switch?
Two weeks before the start of the Fall 2026 season. All Fall 2026 courses will be created using Blackboard Ultra Templates and you will need to have content in Blackboard Ultra at that time.
Ok, I am convinced, I want to switch early so I can get used to it.
Ok, I am convinced, I want to switch early so I can get used to it.
Not a problem. Reach out to the IDEA Team using any of the support methods below and we will perform a course copy into Blackboard Ultra for your next semester. We do not want too many people on Blackboard Ultra just yet because we want the student experience to still be as consistent as possible, but if you are technologically sound and like upgrading early, and it won't cause you stress, we would love to help you switch.
Blackboard Ultra Help
Blackboard Ultra Help
To learn more about Blackboard Ultra, and see what all the fuss is about, we will link to the Anthology Support Hub for Blackboard, rather than re-creating our pages. We already have a page dedicated to Blackboard Ultra support that contains direct links to many, if not all, of your anticipated support questions.
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