Email

Blackboard email is a tool designed to help faculty communicate with students, fellow staff members and TAs. The Blackboard email tool allows faculty to send emails to select students, TAs or an entire class. It is not necessary for the faculty member to know the email address of the individual receiving the email. Moreover, a copy of sent messages are saved in the user's NIU email account.

Screenshot showing the process of sending an email

To send an email:  From the Control Panel, click Course Tools, click Send Email, and select an option in the adjacent content frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I edit my email address in Blackboard?
Email addresses cannot be changed by the user in Blackboard. Student, faculty, and instructor email accounts default to the NIU campus account. Faculty and instructors may request a one-time change to their email, but the use of non-NIU email accounts is not recommended, as it may be marked as spam or not delivered at all. Students may not request email changes.
Do I have to use my campus email account?

Faculty may petition the DoIT Service Desk to have their email address in Blackboard changed. PLEASE NOTE: non-NIU email addresses are not recommended for use within Blackboard, because intended recipients may not receive the email messages. Messages sent from non-NIU addresses through Blackboard may be flagged as spam, or blocked altogether. It is recommended that faculty and instructors keep their NIU-assigned email address within Blackboard, to avoid these problems, so students always receive class notifications.

Students must use their campus email but can set up their account to forward campus email to their preferred account.

Information for forwarding campus mail, as well as changing the name, or "alias," of your NIU email account, is available on the DoIT website.

Learn More

Tutorials

Quick Guides

See Also...


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Get Help

Technical Support and Student Help

Division of IT Service Desk

815-753-8100
servicedesk@niu.edu

Teaching Support and Faculty Help

Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning

815-753-0595
citl@niu.edu

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