The rationale for the Blackboard Course Retention Policy is that the Iona Blackboard database has become large and filled with files using outdated Blackboard protocols. These files cause numerous problems and system malfunctions.

Course container creation and course deletion are administrative functions, not tasks that instructors can complete in Blackboard. Instructors can copy course materials from one existing course container to another. Course containers are created each term based on PeopleSoft, the database of record.

Examples of the policy in use

The methodology for the deletion of courses is based on the extension of the course in the Blackboard Course ID. For example, in the course ID CS140A.FS06, the FS06 represents Fall Semester 2006, WT07 would represent Winter Trimester 2007. Course deletions for a particular semester, trimester, or session will be based on the corresponding extension only.

The policy will go into effect in January 2009. Therefore, all courses created prior to and including Summer and Fall 2006 courses (Fall Semester—FS06 & Fall Trimester —FT06) will be deleted in February 2009 and instructors will be notified at the start of the Spring Semester 2009 and again two weeks later.

All Winter Trimester 2006 (WT06), January Intersession 2007 (WI07), Spring Semester 2007 (SS07) and Spring Trimester (ST07) courses will be deleted in June 2009 and instructors will be notified in early and mid May 2009

This pattern will continue in subsequent terms.

Assistance

Instructions for archiving are posted on the CELTIC website. CELTIC will provide workshops on archiving and individual assistance as requested.

Use of Archive Files

Blackboard archive files are .zip format, meaning all content is compressed into a single zipped file for storage and later restoration if necessary into the Blackboard system. It is essential to note that if you unzip this file, it will be renderedunusable by Blackboard.

Therefore, the procedure for archiving or saving a course’s complete content would be:

1. Instructor archives course to .zip format
2. Instructor saves .zip file on his/her computer
3. BB Administrator deletes course
4. If the instructor wants the course resored when th course is offered again in the future, at the time of restoration the instructor provides archive.zip file to the Blackboard administrator to restore.