LTI/API Integration Request Form 

Work with your vendor to gather the required documentation, then fill out the LTI/API request form below. You'll upload the key documents directly with your form submission.

Request HECVAT from Vendor

Ask your vendor for their HECVAT (Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Tool) report. Most educational vendors have this document on file—they may ask you to sign an NDA to access it. This document shows the vendor's security practices and compliance standards.

What to say to your vendor: "Can you provide your HECVAT or security assessment document? We need this for our IT Security review."

Request VPAT from Vendor

Ask your vendor for their VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) or accessibility statement. This document confirms that the tool meets ADA and WCAG accessibility standards, ensuring all students—including those with disabilities—can use it.

What to say to your vendor: "Do you have a VPAT or accessibility certification? We need this to ensure the tool is accessible to all students."

Collect Vendor Information

Gather the vendor's contact information (primary contact, technical contact, email, phone). Get a brief product description and the vendor's website. You'll enter this directly into the form.

Get Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

Request a copy of the vendor's Terms of Service (and contract, if applicable) and their public Privacy Policy. You'll upload these with your form or be asked to provide links.

Note: If the tool is free or student-licensed, the Terms of Service alone is sufficient. Include the funding source (grant, departmental budget, etc.).

Request Setup Documentation (Optional but Helpful)

Ask your vendor if they have installation or setup documentation for LTI/API configuration. This helps our IT team implement the tool faster. They may provide a guide, or at least point you to their integration contact.

Once you've gathered the documentation from your vendor, complete the form below. You'll upload your HECVAT, VPAT, Terms of Service, and other documents directly with your form submission to actech@hartford.edu.

Required Uploads: The form will ask you to attach the HECVAT, VPAT, Terms of Service/Contract, and Privacy Policy. Have these files ready before you start filling out the form.

Step 1: Academic Technology Reviews Your Request

Our team verifies that all required documentation (HECVAT, VPAT, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy) is complete and your form is fully filled out. We may reach out with follow-up questions. Typically takes 2–3 business days.

Step 2: IT Security Reviews Your HECVAT and VPAT

Our IT Security team reviews the HECVAT you submitted and confirms the vendor meets our security standards and compliance requirements. This typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Step 3: Registrar Approval (if Grade Center integration)

If your tool integrates with Blackboard's Grade Center, the Office of the Registrar reviews the impact on student records and approves the integration. This typically takes 3–5 days and runs in parallel with the security review.

Step 4: Setup & Testing

Once security clears the tool, the Blackboard Operations Team configures the LTI/API integration in Blackboard, tests it in our staging environment, and performs troubleshooting. Typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Step 5: Production Deployment

Once fully tested, the integration is deployed to your live Blackboard environment. We notify you when it's ready for use in your courses.

How long does this process typically take?

The process generally takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the completeness of your submission and any security questions that arise. System change freezes during add/drop and end-of-semester periods may extend this timeline.

What if my tool isn’t ready yet, or the vendor is slow to respond?

Let us know! We can place your request on hold and reactivate it when you're ready. There's no penalty for delays—we just want to make sure all your materials are complete before we begin the audit process.

Can I request an integration on behalf of a faculty member?

Yes. Staff in Academic Technology, Instructional Design, or Academic Affairs can initiate a request. However, a faculty member must be the primary course instructor who will use the tool, and they should be cc'd on all communications with vendors.

What if the vendor won’t provide a HECVAT or VPAT?

Most educational vendors have both on file. If they claim they don't, here's what to do: (1) Ask for the name and contact of their security officer and request it from them directly. (2) Ask for an equivalent security assessment or audit report they've shared with other institutions. (3) Request specific information about their security practices, data storage, and compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001, FERPA, etc.). Let us know if you're stuck—we can help you work with the vendor or suggest alternatives.

Can I just tell the vendor that the University will contact them for HECVAT and VPAT?

No—vendors typically require the requesting institution to ask for these documents directly. Reaching out early signals to the vendor that your institution takes security seriously, and it speeds up the process. It's a quick email: "We're integrating your tool with our learning management system. Can you send me your HECVAT and VPAT? We may need to sign an NDA."

Can I use multiple Blackboard instances (testing, production)?

Yes, if the vendor supports it. The form asks whether the tool can be deployed in multiple environments and whether it requires separate credentials. Confirm this with your vendor before submitting.

What happens to the integration if the vendor discontinues the product?

Once integrated, the tool remains in Blackboard until it's deactivated. If the vendor discontinues support, IT will work with you and the vendor on a sunset plan. We recommend having a backup strategy for critical tools.

🎓Academic Technology & Digital Innovation

For questions about the request process, documentation, or timelines:
📧 actech@hartford.edu
📞 (860) 768-4661
📍 Mortensen Library, 2nd Floor

🖥️ITS Service Desk

For broader IT and security questions:
📧 helpdesk@hartford.edu
📞 (860) 768-4357