We have rolled out a new update to Commons. This update includes vital security updates, and ads some new features. We have also made some changes to the style bar in the visual editor– this brings Commons into sync with the main Bellevue College website.

This page aims to provide a quick guide for Groups on Commons.

What can you do with groups

You may want to create a group for many reasons:

• create help resources & guides
• collaborate with peers
• bounce around ideas
• publicize & announce events
• upload files – minutes, forms, documentation
• collaborate on documents
• manage committees, task forces, programs, ad-hoc groups
• plan initiatives

Public, Private, or Hidden

Groups can be public, private or hidden.

• Public Groups – With a public group everything the group creates is visible on Commons: the group page, member list, and annoucements. No permission is required to join a public group. Public groups can also enable group blogs and set different roles for members.
• Private Groups – In a private group certain elements of the group are not visible to those who are not members. Only members can see the member list, announcements, and forum posts. The group does appear in the list on Commons Groups page, but non-members can only view a simplified version of the group page. You must request membership to join a private group.
• Hidden Groups – A hidden group is invisible on Commons to everyone except for group members. The group page, member list, wire, and forum posts are all hidden from the public.

How to Create a Group

Once you are logged into Commons as an employee you can create a group.  Here is how you do it:

Step 1: Go yo the Groups page on Commons and  select the “Create New Group” button.

Step 2: Create a group name and group description. When you’re all set click “Create Group and Continue.”

Step 3: Decide on some of the group settings (such as privacy options

Step 4: Create a group avatar. You can leave the default image or upload one of your own.

Step 5: Invite members to your group.  (People can always join your group later)

Step 6: Finish

Groups allow for discussion and conversation! Click the ‘Groups‘ tab for a list! Want to join in the conversation? You can click ‘Join Group’ next to any of the groups on the list! Once you are a member you can even get email updates of new posts.

As a group member you can post updates, questions, comments, or anything on the topic! You can also comment on others posts.

What is a Blog?

As defined by Google, a blog is as follows. Often a blog is created as a public diary or trips or interesting findings.

• noun: A personal website or web page on which an individual records opinions, links to other sites, etc. on a regular basis.
• verb: To add new material to or regularly update a blog. “it’s about a week since I last blogged.”

Any Bellevue College faculty or staff member can log in to the BC Commons and create a blog/website as they wish!

Steps to Create a Blog:

1. Log in to the BC Commons. If you are logged in you should see your name or username in the upper right corner of the screen. If you are not logged in visit the login page.
2. Go to the the ‘Blogs‘ page. This page lists all the blogs on the BC Commons. Check out what other people are doing!
3. Click the ‘Create a Site‘ button (right next to the ‘Site Directory’ heading).
4. Fill out your site options.
   1. Site name. This is the web address or ‘URL’ where your website will be located. Spaces and special characters are not allowed. Please keep your url short- it is much easier to tell your friends to visit commons.bellevuecollege.edu/butterfiles/ than it is to tell them to visit commons.bellevuecollege.edu/butterfliesinthenorthwestandhowtocatchthem/. You can be more descriptive in the title!
   2. Site Title. This is what will show up at the top of every page on their site. This can have spaces and capital letters. Think of a short sentence that describes your site. This could be anything from ‘Bob’s Blog’ to ‘Butterflies in the Northwest and How to Catch Them’.
   3. Privacy. Would you like this site to show up in the Blogs directory and on search engines like Google and Bing? Select Yes. Otherwise select No. Please note- even if you select No anyone will still be able to see your website!
   4. Template. This is the starting theme for your blog. You will be able to change this later.
   5. When you are done click ‘Create Site’
5.  You now have a blog! You can create Posts, Pages, insert images, and share with the campus and world!