You may have already seen the Blackboard announcement about the upgrade planned by the VCCS for Summer 2012. When you open Blackboard, there is an announcement about the planned outage of Blackboard. The VCCS ITS has conducted multiple test upgrades to VCCS Blackboard to determine the specific amount of time that will be needed to complete upgrade. Based upon the amount of database changes implemented by Blackboard and other technical issues, ITS does not believe the upgrade can be successfully completed during the original projected 24-36 hour timeframe. To accommodate the time needed to complete the upgrade, ITS will begin the Blackboard outage at 8 a.m. Friday morning, May 11th. Currently, ITS anticipates completing the upgrade and releasing Blackboard for general faculty and student use by 11:30 pm on Sunday evening, May 13th.
Since Summer 2012 classes at VWCC do not begin until May 16, there should be minimal impact ton students for the outage window. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Distance Learning staff at 540.857.6202 or DLearning@virginiawestern.edu.