What is Blackboard Ultra Base Navigation (UBN)

Blackboard will have a new look and feel with Blackboard’s Ultra Base Navigation (UBN) update. This exciting change will bring a modernized navigation menu, improved notifications for important course events, easier access to grades, and more.

The Ultra Base Navigation (UBN) is a feature that was was rolled out to all Blackboard users May 2022 and will only impact the Blackboard interface outside of your courses. The UBN feature is the navigation located on the left that includes the Institution Page, Profile, Activity Stream, Courses, Organizations, Calendar, Messages, Grades, and Tools.

Screenshot of Ultra Base Navigation

The new Ultra Base Navigation will include menu items such as Institution Page, your profile page, Activity Stream, Courses, Calendar, Messages and Grades. As you navigate Blackboard, the menu will always be visible on the left side of the screen.

Screenshot of Ultra Base Navigation with a course open

Courses and other Blackboard content will open in layers in the foreground. To return to the base navigation menu, click the purple X at the top left corner.