With an updated sign-in screen, a modernized format, and a more complex assignment center, the transition aims to facilitate the platform’s user experience. Recent changes to the Blackbaud software at Saint Ignatius College Prep have left everyone adjusting to a new experience. Yet, the changes have sparked conversations among users trying to navigate the new system’s benefits and challenges.

According to PR Newswire, Blackbaud’s reasoning for the new updates is to help improve education management and social responsibility by incorporating AI and data intelligence for social effects.

Sudip Datta, chief product officer of Blackbaud, commented to PR Newswire in May of 2024, “We are excited about the ambitious roadmaps underway for the next 12 months and beyond and are committed to bringing customers the very best technology to power social impact.”

Students at Saint Ignatius College Prep have expressed frustration with the new assignment center in the updated Blackbaud software. According to senior Danny Heidkamp, the update has made it challenging to navigate the site. “It’s been hard to adapt to because of the complex assignment center,” he explained, stating that finding specific assignments is now more challenging. This has become overwhelming for students, who are now spending extra time finding their homework.

“It is not only harder to track my assignments, but also harder to submit them,” said Francis Dunlay, another senior. He added, though, that “seeing my future assignments on a schedule has been very helpful.”

While these recent changes may have sparked some frustration among Saint Ignatius students, they also provide opportunities for better organization and the planning of upcoming assignments. As the Saint Ignatius College Prep community continues to navigate Blackbaud’s new updates, the transition shows the students’ and faculty’s flexibility and patience.