Moving To SaaS Messaging For Blackboard Users – Towson University

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Applicable Learning Management System(s): Blackboard

Campaign Description: Moving to Blackboard manage-hosted to SaaS may not have large user-facing changes, but does pose a challenge in terms of taking your LMS offline. This campaign has staggered messaging for informing your users of the change to SaaS and to prepare for the days Blackboard will be unavailable.

Success Criteria: Decreased number of calls/tickets regarding Blackboard being offline

Submitted by (and on behalf of, if applicable): Blackboard

Notice: Blackboard Offline Dates for Next Month

This systray will inform users of what SaaS is and should be launched a month before the migration to SaaS.

Location: Dashboard

Audience: All Users

Content Type: Systray Message

Copy Message Content: 

We are moving Towson’s Blackboard account from Managed Hosting to SaaS at the end of December. This means we will always run the latest version of Blackboard Learn without requiring it to be unavailable while updates are installed.
To do this, we need to take the Blackboard system offline on INSERT DATES to allow for the materials to be moved and tested before making it available to you. There will be no change in the appearance of your Blackboard courses. You do not need to attend any additional Blackboard training for this transition.
For more information, email NAME at EMAIL for details.

Warning: Blackboard will be Unavailable from DATE to DATE

This systray should be launched 1-2 weeks before migration to remind users they will not be able to access Blackboard during the migration time.

Location: Course Home

Audience: All Users

Content Type: Systray Message

Copy Message Content: 

Blackboard Learn will be unavailable between DATE and DATE.
We’re moving to Blackboard’s SaaS hosting which always runs the latest version of Blackboard without any downtime. 
Migrating to Blackboard’s SaaS hosting requires the live system to be taken offline to allow for materials to be moved and tested before allowing people to log in on the new environment.

Be aware that you will not be able to connect with any features in Blackboard during the inactive dates (DATE AND DATE). 
Questions? Email us at EMAIL

Submit Final Grades Before DATE

Because Towson planned their SaaS migration during Winter Break, this hint was to remind instructors to submit final grades before the migration period. This can be edited to remind instructors to not require assignments to be due during the migration time if your move to SaaS is mid-semester.

Location: Course Home > Grade Center Button

Audience: Instructor

Content Type: Hint message

Copy Message Content: 

Reminder: Blackboard Learn will be unavailable from DATE to DATE. Please submit all grades needed before this time to avoid a delay in final grades.