Ultra Builder Access
Ultra Builder is an assigned role in Blackboard that allows users to access a CRN when they are not listed as the course instructor in Banner. This role can only be used before the start of the term. Generally, the program/department chairperson serves as the Ultra Builder, though the division deans may appoint any faculty member as an Ultra Builder.
Responsibilities of the Ultra Builder include developing and building the Blackboard master course, then copying its content to the live-term (CRN) courses each semester. Ultra Builders also assists the course instructor in setting up course materials in Blackboard prior to the start of the term.
Ultra Builder access will convert to Course Manager on the Friday prior to the start of the semester. Late-term courses cannot have an Ultra Builder role assignment during the semester.
Course Manager Access
Course Manager is an assigned role in Blackboard that allows users to access a CRN when they are not listed as the course instructor in Banner. This role is assigned after the start of the term.
The Course Manager's responsibilities include helping faculty with content and settings throughout the semester. Course Managers do not have access to view or change settigns in the gradebook.
Below is a summary of the Instructor, Ultra Builder, and Course Manager roles in Blackboard. These limitations must be strictly followed to maintain our Blackboard privileges.
To request Ultra Builder or Course Manager access for specific courses, complete the request spreadsheet attached to this solution article and submit it through the Blackboard Support Request system.
Summary description of each role in Blackboard
Instructors interact with students, grade student submissions, and add third-party (publisher) content. Instructors can also build and manage the courses they are teaching. This role is assigned in Banner by the division.
Instructors Can | Instructors Cannot |
|---|---|
Interact with students | See another instructor’s course materials |
Grade student submissions | Copy from a master to a CRN course |
Enter grades |
|
Set up and manage the gradebook |
|
Push end-of-term grades to Banner. |
|
Add/Manage course content. |
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Set up 3rd-party (Publisher) content. |
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Ultra Builders do not interact with students. This role is only assigned and used prior to the start of the semester. UBs are responsible for administrative tasks related to building and preparing the course for the live term. This role is assigned in Blackboard by request. Generally, Ultra Builders are program/department chairs.
| Ultra Builders Can | Ultra Builders Cannot |
|---|---|
Copy/Add/Manage course content | Access the course after the start of the semester |
Assist instructors with course set-up | Set up 3rd-party (publisher) content |
Set up and edit gradebook settings |
Course Managers do not interact with students. Instead, they are responsible for administrative tasks related to managing the course. All Ultra Builders will be changed to Course Managers after the start of the semester. This role can also be added by request. Generally, Course Managers are program/department chairs.
| Course Manager Can | Course Managers Cannot |
|---|---|
Oversee another instructor’s course | Interact with students |
Assist instructors with course management | Set up and manage the gradebook |
Copy/Add course content | |
Set up 3rd-party (publisher) content | |
| Grade student submissions / Enter grades |
Push end-of-term grades to Banner |
Detailed description of each role in Blackboard
Instructor – Interacts with Students
A course instructor is any person who interacts with students, creates assignments, uploads third-party (publisher) content, or enters grades into the Blackboard gradebook. Instructors must be entered into Banner by the division admin assistant to will have the correct access role in Blackboard.
Ultra Builder – Administrative only
Ultra Builder is a designation in Blackboard that allows a program/department chairperson or another designee to access a course before the start of the semester, even if he/she is not the instructor listed in Banner. An Ultra Builder does not interact with students in the course. The role is designed to allow oversight of course materials and Blackboard gradebook setup. Ultra Builder access will allow users to copy master course content into the semester course shell, upload/rearrange course materials, build the gradebook, and perform other administrative tasks before the semester begins. On the Friday before the first day of the semester, Course Builders will be transitioned to a Course Manager role.
Course Manager – Administrative only
Course Manager is a designation in Blackboard that allows a program/department chairperson or another designee to access a course for which he/she is not the instructor listed in Banner. A Course Manager does not interact with students in the course. The role is designed to allow oversight of course materials for mentorship and observations during the semester. Course Manager access will allow users to upload/rearrange course materials and perform other administrative tasks. Course Managers cannot view gradebook entries or settings.
To be added to a course as an Ultra Builder or Course Manager:
- All Ultra Builders and Course Managers must have a Blackboard User Acknowledgment and Compliance Statement (attached below) on file. Return the completed form in a Blackboard Support Request. This form only needs to be completed once.
- The Ultra Builder/Course manager should complete the Ultra Builder Request Spreadsheet (attached below) each semester. Return the completed spreadsheet in a Blackboard Support Request for processing. The appropriate role will be assigned based on the timing in the semester.
Additional Information and Technical Support
Additional information is available on the TCSG/GOLD training website. Use the keyword Course Role to search the news.
For further assistance, please submit a Blackboard Support Request.