Welcome to the Blackboard Mailbag, where we feature a commonly asked question that has been hitting our mailbox recently: blackboard@fordham.edu. You’ll find an archive of all of the previous questions and answers on our fordham.edu/blackboard website.
Note: Features may change with future updates.
Blackboard is more than just a place to access course materials and submit assignments. It’s also a community, and your profile is your digital introduction. A well-crafted profile helps instructors and classmates get to know each other better, fostering a more connected and inclusive learning environment.
Blackboard features name pronunciation, gender options, additional names, and pronoun sharing, demonstrating respect for individual identities and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. Our university is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and valued, and these small acts within Blackboard can make a big difference.
Pronouns and additional names are visible within many areas of an Ultra course, including roster, discussions, groups, and gradebook.
Boosting Your Profile to Build an Inclusive Community: Step-by-Step
It’s important to remember that sharing personal information is a personal choice. Individuals should never feel pressured to disclose this information if they are not comfortable doing so. However, providing the option for those who wish to share can be a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
View Your Profile
In the left side navigation bar where your name appears, select your name to access your profile.
- Accessing Your Profile: Start by logging into Blackboard. Usually, your name appears in the top right corner. Click on it, and you should see a link to your profile or settings.
- The Profile Picture Power-Up: Choose a professional or friendly headshot – think clear, well-lit, and appropriate. To upload, look for the “Upload Picture” or “Edit Picture” option within your profile settings. Select your image file, and you’re good to go! If students don’t feel comfortable using a photo, they can add an avatar to personalize your Blackboard presence, making it easier for students to recognize and connect with each other in discussions, messages, and course materials.
- Saying it Right and Respecting Identities: Name Pronunciation
Mispronouncing names can be awkward, but Blackboard provides an easy solution. Accurate pronunciation shows respect and recognition. You can add your name pronunciation phonetically or as an audio recording, especially for unfamiliar names. Look for the “Name Pronunciation” field to type it out (e.g., “John (Jon)”) or record yourself—your name. - Creating a Welcoming Space with Pronouns: Sharing Respect and Inclusion
Sharing your pronouns fosters inclusivity and respect in our learning community, ensuring everyone is addressed correctly. Our university values the diverse identities of students, faculty, and staff and encourages using pronouns to promote a welcoming environment. You can find the “Personal Pronouns” field in your profile settings. Common options include she/her, he/him, and they/them, but you may also specify other pronouns or choose not to share. - Gender: Gender identity is a fundamental aspect of who a person is. Providing a space to share this information allows individuals to authentically represent themselves and be recognized in a way that aligns with their identity. We Support your personal choice in expressing your gender identity.
- Additional Name: This field can include a nickname, preferred name, or other name you wish to be known by. This is particularly helpful for individuals whose legal name differs from their preferred name.
For additional FAQs and resources about Blackboard, visit fordham.edu/blackboard, attend one of our workshops, sign up to meet with us on our EdTech Consultation Calendar via Zoom, or reach out to us with your availability and we will work with you to accommodate small groups and one-on-one sessions.
Have feedback or suggestions on features? Blackboard’s parent company Anthology hosts The Idea Exchange. This is a place specifically for Blackboard to track and manage enhancement requests. It allows for things like upvoting ideas and sharing development plans and statuses. You will need to create an account to access the Idea Exchange.