Returned Email from Blackboard

In Blackboard, an instructor or student can have mail (received using the Mail tool) automatically forwarded to an external email client, such as Hotmail, gMail or Outlook. The net result is that when a message is received by the student or instructor (in Blackboard), a copy of the message is sent to the external email client’s inbox. This is a helpful way for the student or instructor to be alerted that a new message is waiting inside Blackboard. The copy sent to the external mail client includes the complete text of the message, so you can even read the message before logging into Blackboard.

The problem occurs, when you try to reply to the message using Outlook (or any external mail client). If you try, you’ll receive a returned mail message from Blackboard. This is functioning as designed. Blackboard allows for email to be forwarded externally but does not allow for external email to enter the Blackboard Mail system. As email is forwarded from the system it is stamped with a generic reply address from the Blackboard server. Attempts to reply to this generic address will result in a bounced email message. Blackboard’s Mail tool is completely self-contained. To send a message to any recipient in Blackboard, you must log into Blackboard and use the Mail tool.

To autoforward your email from Blackboard to an external mail client, complete these steps:

1. Log into Blackboard.
2. On the My Blackboard screen select the My Settings link (upper right corner of the screen).
3. Select the Edit Profile button (bottom left of screen).
4. In the E-mail field type the email address to which you want your Blackboard mail forwarded.
5. Next select the My Tools Option tab (top of the screen).
6. Scroll down under the Mail heading and select the checkbox in front of the Forward all mail messages to the e-mail address in my profile option.
7. Click the Save button at the bottom of the screen and you’re all set.