Blackboard to support student-defined pronouns for SU2023

Thu, 04 May 2023 10:21:52 -0400
blackboard, equity, inclusion, pronouns

As part of planned diversity, equity, and inclusion improvements from Blackboard, the first phase of pronoun support will display student pronouns in courses in time for summer 2023 courses. Providing this information within specific contexts of the course, particularly where engagement and collaboration occur, provides a means for instructors and classmates to address each other in ways that align with individual identity and expression.

Pronouns are visible within many areas of an Ultra course including roster, discussions, groups, and gradebook. Pronoun support is limited in Original courses. Please review the list of locations where pronouns appear.

Image 1: Example of Ultra discussion board with pronoun visible to all users

The use of personal pronouns is an important aspect of self-expression and respect for one's identity. This feature helps foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. Learn more about using pronouns (pdf).

How do faculty and staff select a pronoun to display in Blackboard?

At this time, faculty and staff cannot choose a pronoun to display in Blackboard. Students may choose to indicate their pronouns via their myUMBC profile. This information is passed to Blackboard when a user's account is created or the pronoun is selected/updated. A pronoun is not required. If a pronoun is left blank, no information is passed to Blackboard in this field.

How do I keep my pronouns private?

Users control privacy by opting-in to pronoun selection in myUMBC. If no pronouns are selected, then pronouns are not displayed at all in Blackboard and other UMBC systems.

How do pronouns pass over to third-party tools linked in Blackboard?

At this time, pronouns are passed over with the user's name to Qwickly Attendance. Pronouns cannot be passed over with the user's name to third-party tools such as VoiceThread, Webex, among many others. While the major learning management systems all support pronouns, web conferencing tools and other engagement platforms have not developed support for this type of data. Some tools may allow users to rename themselves within the platform itself.

If you need support:

For technical questions about this feature, please open an RT ticket.

For all other questions about inclusivity at UMBC:

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is responsible for promoting and coordinating the University's core values of inclusive excellence and equity, and has primary responsibility for managing UMBC's efforts related to Title IX, gender identity, and sexual orientation, as well as, other civil rights issues. If you are experiencing discrimination based on your gender identity or sexual orientation you can report it using OEI's online reporting/confidential referral form.

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UMBC is committed to providing a consistent learning experience for everyone. The last day we will support Blackboard Original is December 31, 2024. Please check out our training and support: umbc.edu/go/ultra