How do I set course availability in Blackboard?

Owned by Erin Warner, created
Last updated: Feb 22, 2024
2 min read

Courses created in Blackboard are available by default to Instructors, TA's, and Course Builders to allow time to work on course updates before students have access to it. Students cannot access a course set to Unavailable, but they will see it listed on their Courses page.

Courses page
Lock Icon in a Blackboard Course
Course Properties

Courses page

Set the course status from the Courses page.

  • Choose Private to make the course unavailable.

  • Choose Open course when you’re ready for students to view the course and participate.

Tile view of course card with menu showing to make course private
Tile view of course card with menu showing to make course open

Lock icon in a Blackboard Course

Use the Make Available tool on the Course Home Page (lock icon)

  • When available, the lock icon appears as a black open lock icon.

  • When unavailable, the lock appears as a red closed lock icon.


Course Properties in a Blackboard Course

  1. On the bottom-left menu, choose Customization. Click Properties.

  2. In the Set Availability section, choose either:

    • Yes/No to make the course available/unavailable.

    • Select Dates to choose a start date and/or an end date for the course availability.

  3. Click Submit.

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