Blackboard

Blackboard Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the proper use of Villanova University’s eLearning system located in the University’s servers and used by faculty, staff and students. Blackboard is a enterprise system provided by the University to complement traditional methods of teaching and learning, support for eLearning and online programs . Users have the responsibility to use this resource in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner.  Violations of the policy may result in restriction of access to Blackboard and/or other appropriate disciplinary action.

Blackboard accounts are created based on the official name of the student, faculty staff or alumni as reflected in Human Resource, Payroll and Registrar records.  Blackboard User id’s will remain in the University’s system and will not be reused at any time.

Ownership of Blackboard Data

The University owns the Blackboard system. Subject to underlying copyright and other intellectual property rights under applicable laws and University policies.  Ownership of the intellectual property that resides in and is delivered by the Bb, is defined by University policy as per General Counsel web site.

Privacy and Right of University Access

While the University will make every attempt to keep Blackboard secure, privacy is not guaranteed. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary for the IT staff or other appropriate University officials to access University Blackboard Accounts; these circumstances may include, but are not limited to, maintaining the system, investigating security or abuse incidents or investigating violations of this or other University policies.

Enrollment in the Bb system

Only if a student is officially registered in Banner can the student appear on a Blackboard Class list or other third party software tool. The Office of the Registrar does not allow students to be added, or dropped, from Blackboard or other tools unless that same event occurs in Banner. The synchronization between Banner and Blackboard should be sufficient to ensure that enrollments and faculty assignments in Blackboard are accurate and match what occurred in Banner, the official data base of the University.   This policy also covers auditors.  

Data Purging and Record Retention

Course data will be available online and accessible to faculty for a period of one year after the conclusion of a course.  Subsequent to online access, course data will be archived and stored for 5 years offline.

For more information on the sharing and protection of personal information, please see our Privacy Policy. 

The University has the right to restrict the amount of user space on Blackboard accounts as necessary, and to purge and remove Blackboard Accounts of any students who are inactive for a period of three years.

Data Backup

The University’s Blackboard system is backed up on a regular basis as a way to recover from a data loss impacting the entire eLearning system.  In less serious situations it may be possible to recover from the accidental deletion of files by a user; however this can be very time consuming and may not be feasible.  Each user is responsible for backing up their own files and folders as appropriate. 

Account Access

Account access is guaranteed only for those students who are enrolled in a current semester. 

User Responsibility

UNIT maintains the University’s official eLearning system; faculty, staff and students are expected to manage their accounts appropriately. Sharing of passwords is strictly prohibited. Each individual is responsible for his/her account, including the safeguarding of access to the account. All activity originating from an account is deemed to be authored by the account holder, and it is the responsibility of that holder to ensure compliance with these guidelines.

Temporary User

Faculty, staff, or departments can request temporary Blackboard privileges for users outside of the University. Full time Faculty or Staff requesting these types of accounts will be required to submit user information, rationale for account, expiration date, & sponsor information.