TO:     Faculty Using The Blackboard Learning Management System
FROM:   Information Technology Services (ITS)
RE:     Blackboard Performance Update ö Friday 3/11/05


WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO ME?

During Spring Break, Blackboard system tuning to resolve performance issues may
result in intermittent access.
 
WHAT IS BEING DONE TO IMPROVE BLACKBOARD PERFORMANCE?

Blackboard engineers are currently working in a Cal Poly test environment to
replicate and determine root cause of performance issues. Blackboard engineers
are coming to Cal Poly Tue 3/22/05 through Sun 3/27/05. During this timeframe,
modifications are anticipated to the Blackboard server, which may cause
temporary outages from Tuesday, 3/22/05 5:30pm through Sunday, 3/27/05 5:30pm.

HOW CAN I DEVELOP MY SPRING COURSES?

Although the server may be periodically unavailable during the times/dates
listed above, Blackboard will be fully functional for Spring.  Specific user
information about the timelines and system availability will be listed on the
following website: http://systemstatus.calpoly.edu. 

In the event Blackboard is unavailable, course files can be prepared off-line
for posting later (go to the support site for helpful tutorials:
http://blackboardsupport.calpoly.edu/content/faculty/main_starting.html).
Course files can also be added anytime prior to Tuesday 03/22/05 without
scheduled unavailability. 

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

If you experience problems accessing Blackboard, please review the System
Status site http://systemstatus.calpoly.edu for the latest updates/information.
Blackboard support guides and information are available online at
http://blackboardsupport.calpoly.edu.

For further information please call the ITS Service Desk at 756-7000.

We appreciate your patience and stay tuned for updates.

Sincerely,
The Blackboard Support Team