Blackboard Ultra will introduce an updated navigation experience at the start of January. These changes are designed to make it easier to move around your courses, reduce screen clutter and provide clearer course context throughout the platform. Below is a summary of what you can expect to see when the update goes live.
What is Changing ?
Modernised Base Navigation
You’ll notice a refreshed layout in the main navigation panel, with:
A cleaner, simplified vertical menu
Your profile moved to the top of the menu
The Sign out option relocated to the bottom for clearer separation
Full-Screen Course Pages
Several course areas will now open in a full-screen format, offering more space and reducing the layered-panel experience.
Full-Width Course Banner
Course banners will now stretch across the entire width of the page. The course ID and title will appear on top of the banner with improved contrast for readability.
Course Information in the Header
To make it easier to stay oriented, the course ID and title will also be displayed in the fixed header at the top of each page.
Updated Course Menu & New Home Button
Inside courses, the top navigation bar will now better reflect institutional branding.
Additionally, the Home button replaces the previous X for leaving a course, taking you back to your chosen landing page (e.g., Activity Stream or Courses).
When Will This Happen?
These updates will appear automatically for all staff and students from January 2026.