How do I request my Blackboard course?
You can ACTIVATE your course(s) through Blackboard. The process is quick and simple. Courses are generally made available 2 months prior to the beginning of the semester (this may vary due to class changes). Follow the steps below:
- Log into Blackboard using your UTPA username and password
- Make sure you are in the "Teach Tab" and select your course shown in the course list on the My Blackboard Screen.
- Click on "Faculty click here" icon.
- Review "Course Acknowledgements", check the "Term Acceptance Box", and click the "I Agree" (if you don't agree with the terms, click "I Do Not Agree").
- Complete the required information on the "Course Request", and when finished, click "Request Course"
What are the Office Hours for the Center for Online Learning, Teaching and Technology?
Office Hours are Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. For additional assistance contact Faculty Support at cdlfaculty@utpa.edu or contact your Instructional Developer. You can find your Instructional Developer contact information on our Distribution List.
After I request/activate my Blackboard course(s) can I start adding content?
Before adding content to your course, please wait until you receive an email from your Instructional Developer. This will ensure your newly added content doesn't get erased during the course creation process.
After I have requested/activated my Blackboard course(s) how long will it take for my course(s) to be ready to start adding content?
Allow up to 5 business days for your course to be ready. You will be notified by email from your Instruction Developer once your course(s) are ready
When will my students have access to my Blackboard course(s)?
When faculty request/activate their Blackboard course(s) they can select to have their students have early access. If you have requested early access your students will be able to access their Blackboard course(s) 7 days prior to the first day of class. However if you choose not to have early access, students will not have access until the first day of the semester.
It is the first day of the semester and some of my students are not enrolled in my Blackboard course(s).
This can occur for two reasons: student(s) enrolled late or student(s) are finalizing their method of payment for their course(s). Please inform your student(s) to contact, the Blackboard helpdesk for student support. Your student(s) may also email our helpdesk for support at colthelp@utpa.edu or contact them at (956) 665-5327. The Blackboard helpdesk is located in the Education Complex (EDCC) 2.202.
I am having trouble or have questions on a feature within Blackboard and related Software Program(s).
For assistance, contact Faculty Support at cdlfaculty@utpa.edu or contact your Instructional Developer. You can find your Instructional Developer contact information on our Distribution List.
Who should I contact for Trainings on: Blackboard and related Software Programs?
Contact Instructional Developer Jessica Martinez. You may make an appointment by emailing jmmartinezz4@utpa.edu or by calling (956) 665-7248
I am a new Faculty/TA and I do not have my UTPA username and password. How can I log into Blackboard?
For assistance, contact Faculty Support at cdlfaculty@utpa.edu or contact your Instructional Developer. You can find your Instructional Developer contact information on our Distribution List.
What is the copyright policy on audiovisuals, text, music, photos, and images?
Audiovisuals (ex. DVD's) only 3 minutes can be used or you can request permission from the publisher to use the entire content
ALL Text falls under the Blanket Publisher License Agreement. This means if a professor has a book that has a total of 20 chapters they can use 19 chapters from that Book online.
Music, photos, and images can be available completely online if permission is granted from the publisher.
Who can I contact for information on contacting the publisher?
You can submit this request in our Work Request system and we will get back to you with more information. You will receive email notifications when your request(s) have been: submitted and completed.
You may also contact Faculty Support at cdlfaculty@utpa.edu or contact your Instructional Developer. You can find your Instructional Developer contact information on our Distribution List.
How can my Students get Blackboard support?
For Student Support, please have your students contact our Blackboard helpdesk. Your students may also email our helpdesk for support at colthelp@utpa.edu or contact them at (956) 665-5327. Blackboard helpdesk is located in the Education Complex 2.202 (EDCC 2.202). Blackboard Helpdesk hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM. Students can leave a message which will be returned the following business day or they can open up a web ticket.
My course schedule has been changed; do I need to activate/request my course(s) again?
Yes, in order to add the students into your Blackboard course(s) you will need to activate the new course(s).
My course(s) are not listed in my Blackboard course list, what do I do?
If your course(s) are not listed in your Blackboard course list, contact Faculty Support at cdlfaculty@utpa.edu or contact your Instructional Developer. You can find your Instructional Developer contact information on our Distribution List.
My students can not see their grade book, what do I do?
To add the "My Grades" tool, go to the Build tab, and scroll down and click into the Manage course link. Clink into the Tools link. In the Tools area, you need to scroll down to the bottom in the student tools area; check the "My Grades" box, then click save. This will add the "My Grades" tool so that your students can see their grades.
I teach fully online course, how and where do my students take the course evaluation?
The student's course evaluation will be added by COLT² to your fully online course. By default the course evaluation is hidden on the homepage. You will need to unhide the item when you want the students to take the course evaluation.
When/Who will send me my course evaluation results?
The Center for Online Learning, Teaching and Technology doesn't send out course evaluation results to faculty. Please contact the Office of Academic Affairs - Faculty Affairs for further assistance.
Office of Academic Affairs Faculty Affairs
SOUH 211
(956)665-7899
How do I tell which students are still enrolled in my Blackboard grade book? How do I remove students from Blackboard who are no longer enrolled?
Students who are currently enrolled in your course will appear in black, those who have dropped or are un-enrolled will appear in red. Faculty do not have the administrative rights to remove the students. You may contact Faculty Support at cdlfaculty@utpa.edu or contact your Instructional Developer. You can find your Instructional Developer contact information on our Distribution List.
I would like to use another instructor's course material, do I need permission?
Yes, in order for us to transfer another instructor's course material into your course, we will need written permission (email) from the instructor (original creator), the chair of your department or Dean. Please contact Faculty Support at cdlfaculty@utpa.edu or contact your Instructional Developer. You can find your Instructional Developer contact information on our Distribution List.
