Blackboard Tip: Beginning of the Semester Checklist
Checklist we recommend for the beginning of the semester:
- Update the Syllabus
- Check if information is accurate when copying from last semester
- Due dates are updated
- Points system and assignments
- Check Course Menu
Following helpful quick tips:

- To add a new link to the Course Menu, click the “+” and select the area you want to add. Note: The “+” is unavailable when Edit Mode is turned off.
- Organize your course menu using the drag and drop feature. For longer course menus you may want to consider creating Sub headers and Dividers by clicking on the “+” icon and selecting these features
TURN OFF UNNECESSARY TOOLS
To simplify your class you may want to hide links of tools that you will not be using. If you decide to use a tool later in the semester you may make it available at that time. From the left menu click Tools section, named Grades/Tools/Email
Make your Course Available:
- From the control panel click Customization-Properties
- Under Set Availability (3)-Make course available –select Yes-click Submit
Tip: You can use course to course navigation to jump from one place in a course to the exact same place in the other course. Click the chevron near the course name in top gray bar
Under My Other Courses section you want to go to.