Discussions can easily have START dates and END dates added to them, but setting a DUE date takes a few more steps. This tutorial goes over adding start dates and end dates to a discussion topic as well as adding a due date to a discussion.
Adding Start Dates and End Dates
When you are creating your Discussion inside Brightspace, locate the availability Dates & Conditions section on the right side of the page.
When you click on the arrow in this section, it will open up and get larger. You will see some text boxes where you can enter your start date and end date.
Once you click on the box a calendar will appear and you can select the date you wish the discussion to start or end. After selecting the date, a new option will appear below the date (blue Hidden).
Click on the word Hidden, to see more options populate in a pop-up window,
To add the start date and end date to the student's calendar, select the check box as indicated. Select whichever options you prefer then click Done.
Be sure to click Save and Close at the bottom of the page.
Adding Due Dates
Sometimes you might want a discussion that does not have start/end dates and is available all semester long for a student to complete. Even if you leave the start/end date blank, you can still add a "Due Date" to let students know there is a deadline (even though they can complete it late for fewer points or a lower grade).
To add a due date to a discussion, it must be added to a module in the content section. Inside the module where you would like the discussion to live, select Existing Activities, then Discussions in the drop down menu.
In the window that opens, select your desired discussion.
Once it has processed, select the drop down menu next to the title of the discussion and choose Edit Properties in Place.
Now click where it says "Add dates and restrictions.."
Now you can choose to enter a Start Date, End Date, Due Date, or all three. Once you click Add Due Date, it will change to allow you to enter a date. Enter the date you would like it to be due, then be sure to click Update (blue).
Now you should be able to see the due date listed.
