How to Import Groups and Enroll Members in Blackboard Ultra

This article shows how to create groups using csv and assign members using CSV files.

Important Note: If you create groups manually and then try to add members via CSV file later, the CSV file will not work. You must create the group structure AND assign members using the same method (either all manual or all CSV).

Step 1: Create the Group Structure 

  • Go to the Groups page and select Import Group Set.



  • Download the Group Set Template provided by Blackboard.
Image Placeholder

Step 2: Filling Out the Group Template (File 1)

Open the CSV file you downloaded. You will need to fill in the columns as shown in the example image above.

Image Placeholder
  • Group Code (Column A): This is the unique ID for the group. (Critical)
  • Title (Column B): This is the name students will see (e.g., Discussion Group 1).
  • Group Set (Column D): The name of the main category (e.g., Assignment 1 Groups).
  • Self Enroll (Column E): Determines how students join the group.
    • Type N for manual enrollment (you will assign members via CSV or manually).
    • Type Y to allow students to self-enroll (students can see the group and join it themselves).
🚨 The Critical Importance of "Group Code"

The Group Code column is the most sensitive part of this process. It determines whether your upload succeeds or fails.

  • The "Bridge" Function: The Group Code acts as the unique key that connects the group you created in Step 2 to the students you will add in Step 3.

  • Exact Match Required: The code you write in File 1 (Group Creation) must be identical to the code you write in File 2 (Member Enrollment).

  • If there is even a single character difference, the system will not find the group and the row will fail.
Recommendation: Keep your Group Codes simple and consistent (e.g., G01, G02, G03). Avoid using spaces or special characters if possible to minimize errors.

  • Once your "Group File" (File 1) is ready and saved as a CSV file:
    • Return to the Groups page in Blackboard Ultra.
    • In the "Import Group Set" panel (where you downloaded the template), click Upload File.


  • Select your saved CSV file.The system will process the file
Result: You will see a new Group Set appear in your list (e.g., Assignment 1 Groups), but the groups will be empty (0 members).

Step 3: Assign Members (File 2)

Now that the empty groups exist, you need to place students into them using a second CSV file.

  1. Click on the name of the Group Set you just created to open it.

  2. In the top-right corner, click the Import button and select Members. 

  3. Download the Member Template.                

  4. Open the file in Excel. You will see columns for Group Code and User Name. 


How to Fill This File:

  • Group Code: Enter the exact code you used in the previous step 2. Remember: It must match character-for-character.

  • User Name: Enter the student’s Blackboard username.

4- Save this file as a CSV.

Step 4: Uploading Members

  1. Go back to the Import Members panel in Blackboard.

  2. Click Upload File and select your Member CSV.

  3. The system will begin assigning students to the groups.

Troubleshooting

If your CSV file contains errors (e.g., a typo in the Group Code or a wrong username), Blackboard will send an Error Log Email to your inbox.

  • Do not panic if the upload fails. Check your email.

  • The log will tell you exactly which rows failed.

  • Common Error: "Group Code not found" usually means the code in File 2 did not match the code in File 1.

Image Placeholder

If you have any further questions or encounter issues during the process, please do not hesitate to contact us at celt@mef.edu.tr.