Blackboard Java Certificate Expiring April 16th

In early April, IT was informed by Blackboard that the Java certificate used by all installations of Blackboard, would expire on April 16th. Blackboard promised a patch for all systems before this date but we were informed that there were issues with the patch and Blackboard was working to remedy it. On April 12th we learned that a patch for our system - 9.1 SP 7 HF 1 - was not ready.  Blackboard has released a partial patch for this problem this afternoon but due to prior problems with this patch IT is not willing to jeopardize our system until that patch has been thoroughly tested. Therefore, our Java certificate is going to expire on Monday. 

What Does That Mean for Students and Faculty Using Blackboard?

Beginning Monday, April 16th a pop-up box will advise you that you are using an expired certificate when accessing any feature utilizing a Java applet. You will be prompted to either “Allow” or “Deny” the usage of the expired certificate. Specific error message language will depend on the browser and version in use. If you choose to “Allow” the certificate, the pop-up should not reoccur. If you choose “Deny”, the feature will not work until “Allow” is selected.

In our system, the following Java applets are signed by the expiring certificate and are affected: Visual Text Box Editor (VTBE), the equation editor, the multiple file upload tool and Chat.  The VTBE is used in discussion forums, essay questions on quizzes and assignment submissions.

We do not yet have an estimated time for installation of the patch but we will keep you informed of the status.   Please contact the Computer Help Desk if you have any questions.