With the old Blackboard system I was able to send emails to course colleagues and tutors, however I can't locate the service on the new system. Is it still available?
Laoch,
The email tool should be in the same place as before--under Tools > Send Email. However, it's up to each instructor to decide whether students can only email the instructor in their Blackboard class, or whether they can also email TAs or other students. If you see the option to email the instructor, but not TAs, tutors, or other students, it means the instructor has turned that option off.
Mike