Author: Erin Warner

Known Issue- Blackboard Server Error April 25-26

Update (4/26 @ 2:30 PM): This issue has been resolved, but some users may still experience problems accessing our Blackboard site. Blackboard Support has provided reasoning for temporary issues after yesterday’s global DNS issue:

…the DNS server propagation process may not have completed for those who are connected to certain Internet Service Providers (ISPs). However, please be assured that this issue will resolve itself over time as the Time to Live (TTL) on the ISP DNS servers expires and the servers update accordingly.

If you are unable to access Blackboard, please visit our Knowledge Base article: Blackboard Server Error Troubleshooting


Update (4/26 @ 8:30 AM): We are aware of ongoing issues with accessing the UA Blackboard site. We are in contact with Blackboard Support, and they are continuing to work on a fix for this issue.

If you are unable to access Blackboard, please visit our Knowledge Base article: Blackboard Server Error Troubleshooting. If you have any questions, please contact CIT through our support portal for further troubleshooting.


Update (4/25 @ 12:30PM): Blackboard Support believes the DNS issue has been resolved.

If you are still experiencing issues accessing Blackboard, please contact CIT through our support portal for further troubleshooting.


Blackboard Support has identified a global DNS issue affecting access to its sites starting at 2:14 CDT. Users may receive an error message when trying to access Blackboard. They are continuing to work on a fix for this issue.

We will update this post when we receive new information. If you have any questions, please contact us through our support portal.

RESOLVED – Blackboard Server Error

Resolved: Blackboard Support reports all issues have been resolved & sites are operating normally since 9:20 AM CT.

If you continue to see an error message or if have any questions, please contact us through our support portal.


Blackboard Support is investigating a global DNS issue affecting access to its sites. Users may receive an error message when trying to access Blackboard.

We will update this post when we receive new information. If you have any questions, please contact us through our support portal.

Known Issue – Windows 7 and Lockdown Browser

Respondus has announced support for Windows 7 will end on June 28, 2023.  Several technologies they rely on are ending their support for Windows 7 on that date, which means LockDown Browser will also cease working on Windows 7 computers at that time.

Students using Windows 7 will need to upgrade to Windows 10/11 or find another device that is supported. LockDown Browser can be used with Windows 10+, Mac 10.13+, and iPads running iOS 11+ (the iPad setting must be enabled by the instructor). 

RESOLVED – Qualtrics Outgoing Emails Error

Update 3/10/23: The issue is resolved.

If you are still getting an error message, please submit a request through our support portal.


We are aware of an issue with outgoing emails in Qualtrics. All UA Qualtrics users that attempt to send email responses will receive an error message that states “Weekly email limit reached. You’ve reached the maximum number of weekly emails allowed for your brand. Check back later to try again.”

We are working with Qualtrics Support to temporarily increase this limit and resolve the issue. If you have any questions, please submit a request through our support portal.

Known Issue – File Response test question issue in Blackboard

We are aware of an issue in Blackboard tests with a file response question type. If the test is set to open in a new window, students are unable to attach and submit a file when trying to attach a file to a File Response question. There is no obvious error, the file just will not attach.

Please visit the CIT Knowledge Base for the steps to resolve this issue:  Students are unable to attach a file to a file response test question

Known Issue – Special Characters in Blackboard

The following special characters may cause error messages when used in the name of items like assignments, tests, discussion board forums, and file attachments:

% & # < > = \ + / ‘ , ” : ! ? $ @ | [ ] { }

The best solution is to remove special characters from previously mentioned items in Blackboard. If you are receiving an error message, and are unsure about the root cause, please contact CIT for more troubleshooting.

Clicker software updated on classroom computers

Look for the Point Solutions icon on classroom computers!
Point Solutions

Last year, TurningTechnologies merged with Echo360.  The software and mobile app changed their name to Point Solutions, and the classroom computers will have the updated version of the software. The processes in the desktop software (for instructors) are the same, but with new branding from Echo360.

For more information about Echo360 visit the CIT Knowledge Base or echo360.com.

Known Issue: Turnitin Maintenance Jan 14

Turnitin will take an 8 hour maintenance window on January 14 from 11:00 AM CT – 7:00 PM CT.

The following CIT supported services are unavailable during these times:

Turnitin
Draft Coach
Gradescope
Feedback Studio for iOS

If you have any questions, please make a request through the CIT Support Portal.