TO:     Faculty Using Blackboard Learning Management System

FROM:   Information Technology Services (ITS)

Re:     URGENT Update - Blackboard Gradebook Calculations


WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO ME?

On June 15, 2005 we identified and confirmed with Blackboard software engineers
that the Gradebook weighting functionality in the most recent version of
Blackboard (version 6.1 application pack 3) resulted in inaccurate grade
calculations for specific courses. This version of Blackboard was installed in
Spring Quarter 2005 and did not affect grades for previous quarters.

You are receiving this message as a faculty member responsible for one of these
specific course sections. Please read the remainder of this message carefully
for urgent details.

WHAT WAS DONE TO ADDRESS BLACKBOARD GRADEBOOK MISCALCULATIONS?

ITS escalated to senior Blackboard management and engineering teams for a
resolution to these Blackboard Gradebook miscalculations. 

Blackboard engineers worked with Cal Poly technicians overnight (June 15 until
early morning on June 16, 2005) to implement the specific fix for the
Blackboard Grade miscalculations.

The Blackboard supplied fix was implemented successfully. The weighted grades
in Blackboard Gradebook are now correct.

HOW WERE THE BLACKBOARD GRADEBOOK ERRORS IDENTIFIED? 

The initial grade calculation discrepancy was identified when the Blackboard
Gradebook, using weighted values, displayed different values in the "faculty"
and "student" views. 

In cases where the weighting option was used in the Blackboard Gradebook,
weighted calculations in the "faculty" Gradebook view were incorrect, but the
"student" Gradebook view was displaying correctly calculated grades under the
"My Grade" tool.  

WHAT ACTION DO I NEED TO TAKE?

If you submitted final grades for Spring Quarter 2005 using Blackboard
Gradebook calculations prior to June 16, 2005 at 11:30 am - the grades are very
likely incorrect.

To correct this, first ensure that there are no NULL values in your Gradebook
or this could also result in erroneous grade calculations. Step-by-step
instructions for replacing NULL values with zeroes ("0") are online at
http://blackboardsupport.calpoly.edu/content/faculty/tips_gradebook.html

After this is done, confirm the grades you turned in against the current
listings in the Blackboard Gradebook.

If there is any discrepancy, please contact the Office of Academic Records to
complete Grade Change forms to effect the appropriate grade adjustments. These
paper-based forms must be completed to effect the grade change.

Please call the Faculty Records "hotline" (756-2532) or visit the Records
Window in Administration Building, Room 222 for more information.

If you did NOT submit final grades for Spring Quarter 2005 using the Blackboard
Gradebook calculations, no action is needed.

We regret any inconvenience and appreciate your timely assistance in helping us
resolve this difficult situation.


Sincerely,
The Blackboard Support Team

Jerry Hanley, Vice Provost/CIO
Information Technology Services

Craig Schultz, Director
ITS - User Support Services

Dave Ross, Director
ITS - Application and Information Management

Tom Zuur, Registrar
Office of Academic Records