Blackboard Update Schedule
This is the regular 3-times-a-year schedule for applying software updates to the Blackboard LMS. This schedule is not intended to include major releases or version upgrades of Blackboard, but rather the minor point releases, patches, and security fixes that are released by Blackboard on a regular basis. All updates are installed in our Test environment, allowing regression testing and feedback, and then installed to our Production (Live) environment approximately 2 weeks later.
If you are interested in contributing to the designated testing, please contact Robert Adelson via IT Client Services at (201) 761-7800 or servicedesk@saintpeters.edu and an account access will be created for you.
Urgent updates and alerts are available on the Service Advisory page
For calendar year 2019
Approved by IT Governance Committee on 11/13/2018
| Test Release | End of Test Feedback Review | Production Release | Release Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2019 RELEASE | Sunday, Feb 3, 2019 | Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 | Tuesday, Feb 26, 2019 |  |
| Q2 2019 RELEASE | Sunday, May 12, 2019 | Saturday, May 25, 2019 | Tuesday, June 4, 2019 | |
| Q3/4 2019 RELEASE | Sunday, Sep 22, 2019 | Saturday, Oct 5, 2019 | Tuesday, Oct 15, 2019 | |
NOTES:
- Installation on Test Environment. At this date, the updates would be applied in the test environment for a period of two weeks. This 13 day window provides an opportunity for designated testers to access the test system and report any concerns about the test implementation of the updates back to IT for research and resolution.
- Testing sign-offs. Designated testers will have until this date to submit feedback on proposed updates.
- Installation on Production environment. Managed Hosting services will perform the update on Production on Tuesday Morning. This typically takes 5-7 hours – please be advised that the Service Level Agreement in place designates potential update downtime for a period of up to 12 hours. This schedule ensures availability of support once updates are implemented. Dates have been selected to avoid coinciding with the end of any terms..
For calendar year 2018
Approved by IT Governance Committee on 11/14/2017
| Test Release | End of Test Feedback Review | Production Release | Release Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2018 RELEASE | Sunday, Feb 4, 2018 | Saturday, Feb 17, 2018 | Tuesday, Feb 27, 2018 | |
| Q2 2018 RELEASE | Sunday, May 13, 2018 | Saturday, May 26, 2018 | Tuesday, June 5, 2018 | |
| Q3/4 2018 RELEASE | Sunday, Sep 23, 2018 | Saturday, Oct 6, 2018 | Tuesday, Oct 16, 2018 | |
For calendar year 2017
Approved by IT Governance Committee on 10/11/2016
| Test Release | End of Test Feedback Review | Production Release | Release Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2017 RELEASE | Sunday, Feb 5, 2017 | Saturday, Feb 18, 2017 | Tuesday, Feb 28, 2017 | |
| Q2 2017 RELEASE | Sunday, May 14, 2017 | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | Tuesday, Jun 6, 2017 Tuesday, July 18, 2017 |
|
| Q3/4 2017 RELEASE | Sunday, Sep 24, 2017 | Saturday, Oct 7, 2017 | Tuesday, Oct 17, 2017 | |
For calendar year 2016
Approved by IT Governance Committee on 10-29-2015