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Brightspace Support

Brightspace Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our newly updated Brightspace FAQs! This list runs through the most common questions the Brightspace Support Team gets throughout the year. If you have any questions not listed here, be sure to contact our Support team for assistance.

Support Schedule

The Vanderbilt University Brightspace Instructional Technologists are available for support between 8 AM and 4 PM Monday through Friday. Any emails received after 4 PM will be addressed when our team returns to normal support at 8 AM the following business day. While we’re out, we encourage you to utilize our On-Demand Resources to answer any questions that arise.

Statue of Corneilius Vanderbilt on campus during the fall with golden, yellow, and orange trees behind.

EdTech at Vanderbilt

As the administrative home for Brightspace, the Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education (AdvancED) is excited to provide both technical and pedagogical support for instructors using Brightspace across campus. Whether you’re interested in learning how Brightspace tools can support your teaching goals or you have a technical question – AdvancED can help.

This page serves as a jumping off point, whether you are getting started with your Brightspace course or you’re in seek of help. Explore the top menu bar to learn more about what the EdTech Team can offer!

How Can We Help?

Looking to add a TA to your course?

TA's are added to courses by the University Registrar Office

Trouble logging in to Brightspace?

VUIT will be able to assist with logging in to Brightspace

Making your Brightspace course active

Follow this guide step-by-step to understand how to make your course active.

Brightspace Support Resources

We have many ways that you can reach support for Brightspace through our resources and EdTech team.

  • Brightspace Support Chat Assistant

    Our new Brightspace chat assistant pulls information from only Vanderbilt's information hub. You can find our chat assistant in the bottom right-hand corner on our website.

  • On-Demand Resources

    Start Here! Our comprehensive On-Demand Resources are available 24/7 and contain step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and solutions to our most frequently asked questions.

  • Email Support

    If you couldn’t find a solution in our resources, our team is ready to assist you. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions at brightspace@vanderbilt.edu. The EdTech Team at AdvancED will respond to inquiries per the following schedule:

    Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
    All other emails received after 4 PM will be addressed when our team returns to support at 8 AM the following business day.

  • Leave a voicemail

    Users can leave a voicemail for the EdTech Team at AdvancED, and we will return your call as soon as possible. Our Vanderbilt University Brightspace hotline is 615-322-0200.

    Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM

  • Zoom Consults

    Instructors may contact us via email at brightspace@vanderbilt.edu to request an individual remote consultation via Zoom with a member of the EdTech team. Consultations must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

Graphic of gold and black wires running through a piece of technology

About EdTech

Brightspace is Vanderbilt University’s primary course management system, providing a core set of digital tools designed to support teaching and learning across campus. This website provides information about Brightspace to Vanderbilt faculty, staff, and students.

The Office of the Provost oversees the university’s course management system.

By shifting Brightspace support to a more centralized model, with multiple Instructional Technologists housed at AdvancED, Vanderbilt instructors will receive more robust assistance in using the course management system efficiently and effectively.

We look forward to providing technical and pedagogical support to Brightspace users in the Vanderbilt community.

Connor Bacon, Director, Digital Strategy

Connor Bacon, Director, Digital Strategy

Connor oversees our digital media and instructional technology operations, focusing on processes and execution surrounding our end-to-end digital media production in addition to the Educational Technology team. Hailing from the northwest, Connor has spent 7 years as a filmmaker and cinematographer primarily in the marketing and advertising world. Holding a BA in Visual Communication Design from Eastern Washington University, he is mostly self-taught when it comes to the world of production. With a keen eye for detail and love for process, he has now expanded his expertise towards higher education at Vanderbilt. When he’s not behind a camera, he can be found climbing rocks and hiking outdoor trails.

Michael Coley, Lead Instructional Technologist

Michael Coley, Lead Instructional Technologist

Michael Coley joined the team in the Spring of 2021. As a Lead Instructional Technologist, his goal is to help promote high-quality teaching through effective usage of technology. He has a B.S. in Animal Science and Secondary Education from Middle Tennessee State University and a Masters in Agricultural Education from North Carolina State University. While at NC State, his focus of study was on the technology usage of Tennessee teachers. He taught high school Agricultural Education for 10 years before changing careers and joining Vanderbilt.

Kayla Chapman, Instructional Technologist

Kayla Chapman, Instructional Technologist

Kayla Chapman is an Instructional Technologist within the Office of Learning Innovation and AdvancED. She brings a strong background in higher education, with experience in asynchronous learning and educational technology. She specializes in Brightspace course design and development, as well as integrating educational tools that promote effective online teaching and enhancing user engagement. She is passionate about helping educators integrate technology to create meaningful learning experiences. Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and exploring interior design.

Brightspace Blog