The Blackboard (Bb) Community System is a robust software application that enables the OUHSC to build online connections between different constituencies on and off campus and to personalize information for groups and individuals. This system has powerful capabilities that facilitate building connections on campus, enabling users to better communicate and access information resources. Community building tools enable users to collaborate and communicate more effectively. Organization sites allow clubs and interest groups to communicate with members through an online environment similar to the course sites they already know. All HSC users will be able to find most of these capabilities on the community tab after you log in -

the Bb Community.

Under the Community tab, registered HSC users will have access to view several modules:

• My Organizations (also available on the My Blackboard tab) lists all active organizations or communities in which you are participating as a participant, leader or any of the other roles available to HSC users.
• The Organization Catalog provides a browseable listing of all available HSC Communities as well as category listings by community type. Some organizations may allow "guest" access to view some content.
• The Organization Creation module simply provides an e-mail link to request your own Bb Community by contacting web-courses@ouhsc.edu. For faster service, simply complete the online Community request form.
• A new feature, available for the first time on the HSC campus, is found in the Institutional Discussion Boards module which provides an threaded discussion tool available for all HSC users, regardless of their course or community affiliation. The Discussion board has been pre-populated with one forum - a discussion board for peer support for Blackboard. Other campus-wide discussion boards may be available in the future. Note: all participation in the discussion boards is subject to the HSC Acceptable Use Policy. Violations of this policy, including inappropriate comments and language, could result in a users loss of all access privileges to the Blackboard system.
• Users may recommend ideas for new discussion boards by clicking on the link available in the Discussion Board Creation module.