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Customize the Gateway Page

The Gateway page is the first page that users see when accessing Blackboard.

The Gateway page includes the following functions:

  • Login: Directs the user to the Login page.

  • Course Catalog: Directs the user to the Course Catalog. This function can be removed by the administrator.

  • Create Account: Directs the user to the Create Account page. This function can be turned off by administrators. This button should be turned off unless you want anyone with access to the URL to create accounts.

The Gateway page also includes a default welcome message and image from Blackboard.

Set Gateway options

On the Administrator Panel, in the Security section, select Gateway Options. The following table describes the options. To learn more about user account lock options, see Account Lock.

Table 14. Gateway Options

Option

Description

Start Page for Users

Start Page

Gateway Page is the only option here.

Gateway Functions

Link to Course Catalog

Select Enable to display a button that links to the Course Catalog on the Gateway page. Provide a link for an External Catalog URL in the field.

Link to Account Creation

Select Enable to display a button on the Gateway page that lets visitors create a user account. The user account is created with an institution role of Student and an admin user role of None.

Lost Password Functions

Request Forgotten Password

Select Enable to turn on the link that allows users to request that the password for the account.

URL for Forgotten Password

Provide the URL for the link on the login page that allows users to request that their password be mailed to the email address stored in their user information. The default URL is /webapps/blackboard/password.

Guest Access Defaults

Allow Guest Access to the System

Select Enable and users who do not have an account (non-authenticated users) may access the system, such as portal areas. Select Disable and users without an account will not have any access to the system.

Allow Guest Access to Courses

Select Enable and users who do not have user accounts (non-authenticated users) may access courses on the system. If Disable is selected, Instructors will not be able to make areas in their courses available to guests.

Allow Guest Access to Organizations

Select Enable and users who do not have user accounts (non-authenticated users) may access organizations. If Disable is selected, Leaders will not be able to make areas in their organizations available to guests.