Starting Winter/Spring 2026
*** Students Have Access to Courses in Brightspace
the First Scheduled Day of the Course @ 12:01 am***
- Brightspace Pre-Flight Course “Go Live” Checklist
Important – NEW: SUNY Niagara has updated the Academic Integrity statement/policy to include AI (Artificial Intelligence). If you have the Academic Integrity Quiz in your course please update the question. Instructions to change this quiz. Note: All Online Courses need to include this quiz.
Click on the Steps to View Instructions:
2. Create/Update Welcome / Video
- You can record videos on any page using Video Note. Recommended in the Welcome area of your course and in your welcome announcement.
3. Announcements
- NOTE: Make sure all old announcements are deleted or “expired”
(Set the end date using a past date to hide old announcements if you want to keep them)
4. Course Materials
- Check to make sure the correct textbook/materials are adopted for the course
- Confirm with publisher how students will access the textbook and the book has not changed additions
- Check that the links are correct in the courses to access the course materials
- Faculty Tasks and Responsibilities Flyer
- Presentation on Faculty Tasks and Responsibilities
- *** Make sure you tell your students specifically how they will access your textbook/materials Example statements for the syllabus/course info
5. Update Syllabus
- Make sure it includes current Academic Affairs content – (Updated Content! SU25-New Links for the SUNY Niagara Website)
- Add an AI statement to your syllabus (Examples)
6. Dates – Update Course Schedule and Due Dates
- Upload and updated Course Schedule
- Use the Manage Dates Tool to update, open, close, and due dates
(Course Tools→Course Admin→Manage Dates) - Set open and close dates (Quizzes, assignments, etc.)
Recommendation: Don’t use close dates on Modules.
7. Check All Links/Videos
- Make sure all videos are working, and the links are active.
- Ensure that all phone numbers and support links related to course materials are up to date!
- Videos: Make sure closed captions match what is being said.
8. Discussion and Assignment Instructions
9. Grade Book
- Make sure the correct columns are showing to students.
10. TurnItIn – Check Settings
- When a course is copied from another Brightspace course, the Turnitin settings will not automatically transfer over. (Instructions)
11. Attendance
- Create new attendance registries.
(Instructions)
Note: I have the registries built each semester in a course. Let me know if you want to be added to the course so you can copy the registries. dsimiele@niagaracc.suny.edu
12. **Check Digital Content for Accessibility**
- Review the page on the new DOJ Title II Accessibility Ruling
- Resource – Accessibility Tips and Tricks