What can I do if I forgot my password or username for Barracuda?Your username and password on the Barracuda spam filtering system is always your UTPA email address (emailusername@utpa.edu) and password. If you have forgotten your UTPA email username and/or password please call the UTPA IT Helpdesk at (956) 381-2020 for prompt assistance.
Assistance with Software installation (UTPA licensed software, ex. Microsoft Office and McAfee anti-virus)
UTPA Accounts activation (necessary for email, WebCT, Oracle, Computer Labs, and Library Database)
Password reset, change, and synchronization
I am no longer a UTPA student can I still use my e-mail?Your UTPA e-mail account will stay active as long as you check it frequently, even after you graduate. If more than 100 days passes, before you check your email, it will be deactivated and all of your messages will be deleted. You can reactivate your account, (on your own by contacting hotmail if you have already graduated, or you can come by the IT Service Desk if you have not graduated), in order to keep using your UTPA E-mail account.
How much email spam does UTPA receive?Currently, about 87% of the email messages received in a week by UTPA are spam. That is approximately 75,000+ spam messages a day.
Where do I get my UTPA account activated?To activate your UTPA account, you would need to stop by the I.T. Service Desk located in the Academic Services Building Room 1.102 Office hours Mon-Fri 8-6.
Am I losing email because of the Barracuda Spam Firewall?No. We have configured the filter such that only the worst sorts of spam are "blocked" and deleted at the filter. All other questionable email is "quarantined" for your review. No legitimate email should be blocked. The real question is whether there is good email being quarantined. By default, you will receive one notification a day if there is any spam mail that was blocked. You may change this to a weekly notification (or turn it off altogether). When you visit the filter's web page, you may see some good email quarantined. If you do, check the box in front of the message and press the "Not Spam" button (as described above), this will help train the system. Then, press the "Deliver" button and the email will be delivered to your inbox.
What is Barracuda Spam Firewall email message that I am receiving?The Barracuda Spam Firewall is a stand-alone system dedicated to running programs that filter out spam and viruses from our email. All email arriving at UTPA first passes through this filter. A variety of methods are used to test email. First, the email is compared to a "blacklist" of known spammers. Most spam originates from a relatively small number of hard-core spammers, and many of their email servers are tracked by anti-spam services, who publish these blacklists. Similarly, most spammers send the same message to millions of recipients making it possible to "fingerprint" bulk mailings and then test our incoming email against that fingerprint. Finally, and most powerfully, the system employs Bayesian statistical analysis of every recipient's own email to distinguish good email from bad. The system will actually learn the difference between your own personal valid email and your spam. Every piece of incoming email is assigned a score based on these tests. Email assigned exceptionally high scores is certainly spam and is "blocked", that is, it is simply deleted. Email that is probably, but not certainly, spam is saved, but "quarantined" on the spam filter. The remaining email is probably all valid and is passed on to the email server for delivery.
What is an Oracle account?An Oracle Account is where Full-Time, Part-Time, Direct Wage, and Work Study employees are able to access their time cards online, check personal information, benefits, pay stub, and W2 form.
What forms do I have to submit in order to have an Oracle account?You need to submit your M.O.E. (Memorandum of Employment) to Human Resources. You will then have an envelope mailed to either your mailing address, or you will be notified that you need to pick up your sealed envelope at the Computer Center Distribution Window.
Campus Software
Where do I obtain software that is available through the University?You can download the UTPA site licensed software for free at the following URL: http://download.utpa.edu (Please make sure you saved the downloaded software into a CD or USB flash drive because you are only allowed one download per software) You may also purchase software at a discount price at the UTPA bookstore.
What is the charge for campus software?The software is free to UTPA students, employees and staff. But you may also purchase it at the UTPA bookstore, if you wish to have a CD version of the software.
Am I able to change my UTPA Account Password?Yes, you can change your UTPA Account Password whenever you want, simply go to the following link: http://helpdesk.utpa.edu
Click on the "change password" link. Type your Username, current password, and a new password of your choosing (Must be at least ten characters long), check all the option boxes and click Submit only ONCE
What do I need to get a UTPA account?All you need to get a UTPA Account is to be either a student (be enrolled in current semester) or an employee at the University of Texas Pan-American.
I try to log-in and it says "Account has expired".It means that you have not used your account for a while. You will need to stop by the IT Service Desk so we can re-enable your UTPA Account. Make sure to take a valid Picture ID with you. (preferably the UTPA ID).
I forgot my username and/or passwordYou can recover your username and/or password by stopping by our office located in the Academic Services Bldg. 1.102. Make sure to take a valid Picture ID with you.
Why do I need to get a UTPA account?It is necessary to use campus computers, have wireless internet access, and to access library database from outside campus.
What is the UTPA Account?The UTPA Account is the Username and Password that is provided to all students, staff, and faculty at UTPA. This account is necessary to access campus computers, and to set your laptop up for the wireless network.
Can I change my UTPA username?The only way to change your UTPA username is if your name changes due to marriage, divorce, legal name change, harassment, or if it is misspelled. If your case applies, you need first to get your personal information corrected at Human resources if you are faculty or staff, or at the Registrars Office if you are student. Once your information has been updated, you will need to stop by the IT Service Desk to request your Username change. It is not instantly changed and it may take from two weeks to three months. Make sure to take a valid Picture ID with you.
Tutorials
Are there any tutorials available?Yes. There is a tutorials section with numerous tutorials to assist you. Click Here to visit our Tutorials page.
Phone Audix
How do I retrieve my phone messages from Audix off campus?You will need to dial 381-2232 when dialing from outside the University press the # sign enter your mail box number, enter your password and then press # sign. You would then press 2 to retrieve your messages.
What is Bronc Notes?Bronc Notes is an online application that allows the users the ability to post an announcement that will be available for everyone to see.
