At 3:15am Tuesday 4/25 Blackboard reported a global DNS issue, resulting from a security update. This issue resulted in some networks returning an error when attempting to access blackboard.udmercy.edu, while other networks had no interruption.
Blackboard implemented a fix to this issue at approximately 9:30am on 4/25. Unfortunately, DNS fixes require time to propagate across the internet; how much time depends on the refresh settings of the DNS server you are using. Most DNS servers should have restored access as of approximately 11:15 am on Wednesday 4/26.
If you are still unable to access Blackboard, we recommend you flush your DNS cache.
On WINDOWS:
1 - Hit the WINDOWS button on your keyboard, type COMMAND, launch the command prompt app.
2 - In the command prompt app (little black window) type --
ipconfig /flushdns
3 - Press ENTER. You should get a SUCCESS message.
4 - Close the Command window, restart your computer.
ON MAC
1- Open the LaunchPad in the Dock and type in Terminal in the search bar.
2 - Enter the following syntax at the command line:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3 - Press Return, enter your password, and press Return again.
4 - Exit the Terminal, restart your computer
IF these steps do not work for you
Accessing Blackboard via a VPN will likely get you to Blackboard. Similarly, try accessing from a mobile device on a cellular network rather than local Wi-Fi -- folks have reported success switching to a cellular hotspot. Relocating to a local public library or other location with free Wi-Fi may help as well (we do not recommend using Wi-Fi from a place like Starbucks or Panera for online testing, as the connections there often reset at inopportune times).
We can also report that on-campus access has not experienced any downtime. If you can come to campus, the Wi-Fi and / or lab computers will work for you.
We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.
