Dear Colleague,
You are receiving this message because you are enrolled as a leader in a Blackboard Organization (Bb Org) accessed within the last 24 months. As you are aware, Bb Orgs will be retired on July 15, 2025, as part of the Canvas implementation. Below are reminders, updates, and new information on the transition.
Transitioning to the Canvas Community Site
Not all Bb Orgs can transition to Canvas based on the Canvas Use Guidelines.We encourage those whose will not transition to Canvas to review the other options available to move your content to another collaboration or file storage solution. If your Bb Org does meet the guidelines, you can request a Canvas community course site. Each request will be reviewed to ensure it meets the guidelines.
Automated Content Migration
For use cases that can transition to Canvas, we are pleased to share that the next deadline to request a content migration from Blackboard to Canvas is Monday, December 2. After migration, the content will be accessible only to the individual who submitted the form. Additionally, it cannot be made publicly available, as it is simply a container for the migrated content. The content must be copied into a new Canvas site. To submit your request, please complete the December 2024 Content Migration Request Form by Monday, December 2. You will receive an email when the content has been migrated.
We recommend you request a community course site prior to requesting the content migration. Failure to do so could result in content that cannot be migrated to an active course site.
SiteMasonry Sites – Transitioning Downloadable Documents from Blackboard Organization Spaces
The Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Office of University Branding (OUB) web teams are developing a Web Document Repository to store publicly downloadable files compliant with the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Revised 508 Standards for accessibility. Recent updates to the ADA reinforce the requirement for public entities, including George Mason University, to provide fully accessible digital experiences, including accessible documents.
The new Web Document Repository will be available to SiteMasonry web managers in late spring 2025. A member of the OUB web team will reach out to each SiteMasonry web manager currently using a Bb Org to assist with creating a transition plan to:
- Identify documents for deletion
- Move non-public documents to appropriate platforms (e.g., Canvas, Mason Online sites)
- Ensure publicly downloadable documents meet ICT Revised 508 Standards for digital accessibility
- Ready digitally accessible, publicly downloadable documents for a move to the new Web Document Repository
Major/Degree Community Courses
Finally, we are pleased to share that a Canvas community site has been created for each major at the university. This allows units to use the site to communicate and share content with students. Membership in each group will be managed automatically through integration with Banner. Read more and request access.
The project team hopes you have a successful end to your semester and will enjoy the upcoming winter break. As always, if you have questions about this transition, contact lms@gmu.edu or visit the project website at http://lms.gmu.edu/orgs.