This article intended for instructors looking to import groups in Ultra Course View.

Overview

• Instructors can import:

  • A group set containing sub-groups

  • Group members into existing groups

• Instructors should use a CSV(comma-separated values) file. It can be created in Microsoft Excel.

• There is a specific format to create a CSV file.

• To import group members, Students' NetIDs are required.

Step 1A: Download & Edit Group Set Template

The first step is to download the “Group Sets template” from within the course and use that CSV file to establish the names of the Group Set and the Groups.

• For example

  • The Group Set will be named “Discussion Groups”

  • The groups will be named Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, etc.

1. From the Groups tab, click Import Group Set.
   

   

   1. Then click Download Group Sets template.

      

   2. This will download a CVS template file to your computer.

   3. Once opened, you will see that the CSV has five columns that have been populated. Required columns are marked with an asterisk.

• Group Code* 

  • Group codes are unique alphanumeric identifiers used only for import purposes. Group codes provide a unique way to identify each group in case they have the same name. You can assign any group code you want. 

• Title*

  • The name of the group within the group set.

• Description 

  • An optional field to provide a description of the group. 

• Group Set* 

  • Keep the group set name as ‘first_gc_ultra_gc_group_gc_set.' This name will show up in the Groups. You can change the name once you finish importing.

• Self Enroll* 

  • Enter Y if you want students to be able to self enroll into groups; enter N if you want to assign students to groups yourself.

*Part of the information was retrieved from Blackboard Help Center: Import and Export Groups and Members

Step 1B: Upload Template to Add Group Set and Groups

The next step is to add the Group Set and the Groups to your course using the CSV file created in the previous step.

1. Return to the Groups tab, and click Import Group Set.

   

2. Then, click Upload File.

   

3. Select the CSV file you setup in the previous step, then click Import.

Step 2A: Retrieve Student NetIDs from Student Admin

1. Login to Student Admin, and navigate to the Class Roster page.

2. Download the student roster csv file which contains student NetIDs.

Step 2B: Use Group Set Template to Assign Group members

1. Using the Group Set Template created in Step 1, delete the Self Enroll and Description columns and add a Username column.

2. Populate the Group Code and User Name columns to assign students to a group.

   1. Group Code: This should be the same for all members of a group.

      1. For example, students in Group 1 should all have the same Group Code.

   2. User Name: list the NetIDs of the students you want to assign to a group.

3. Save your file when finished.

Required columns are marked with an asterisk.

Step 3: Upload Group Members

1. From you Ultra course, click the Groups tab from the top navigation menu.

2. Click the Group set name.

   

3. Click the Import Groups or Members icon in the top right corner.
   

   

4. Select the Assign members tab.

   

5. Click Upload File and select your CSV file.

6. Then click Import.

7. After a few minutes refresh your course page and students will be assigned to their designated groups.