Blackboard Course Quota

In April 2021, UNI implemented a course quota (or size limit) of 1 GB per Blackboard course. Your Blackboard courses will have this 1 GB limit for files that the instructor(s) (or co-instructor, TAs, developers) upload to the course.

Why was a course quota implemented?

Since COVID-19, usage of Blackboard has grown significantly, which is great! However, we have exceeded our allotted storage limit by over threefold and are now subjected to additional storage expenses. Therefore, a 'Course Quota' set to a 1 GB limit was implemented on 4/23/2021; starting with the creation of Fall 2021 Blackboard courses. Every Blackboard course created after 4/23/2021 has the 1 GB limit.

PLEASE NOTE: This does not impact existing courses in use prior to April 23, 2021.

Why is it important to be mindful of my Blackboard course size?

Blackboard is paid for by Student Technology Fees, so it is important to keep our courses as clean and efficient as possible and not pay for storage of old, unused files.

What contributes to large courses?

There are a number of actions that contribute. Some of the more known reasons are:

Video files uploaded directly to Blackboard (video files should be moved to Panopto, our streaming solution).
Narrated PowerPoints (Save/export your presentation to a video file format such as .mp4 or .wmv. Then upload to Panopto.)
Files that are uploaded multiple times using "Browse Local Files" where "Browse Content Collection" or "Overwrite File" features should have been used.
Large images (See how to reduce image sizes).
Student video submissions using Bb Assignments rather than Panopto (use Video Assignment Submissions Using Panopto in Blackboard instead)
Multiple course copies which results in unnecessary, duplicate files (Request a consultation)

How will a course quota impact a Course Copy?

If you are copying a previous course that is over 1 GB in size, the copy should complete; however you will need to do some cleanup in the new course before you can add any additional files to it.

Other Information/Resources on Course Quota:

Blackboard Learn Ultra:

Blackboard Learn Original:

What Happens if I Exceed the 1GB Quota for my Blackboard Learn course?