Students FAQs

I. Preparing for online coursework

Can I use a Windows® -based operating system?
Yes; we currently support users with these operating systems - Windows XP, and Windows 7.

Can I use an Apple computer, such as a Mac laptop or iPad?
Yes; we currently support users with these versions of the MAC OS operating systems – Leopard and Snow Leopard.

Can I use a mobile device such as an iPad, iPhone, or smartphone for online study?
If using CE8 - No, we do not currently offer technical assistance for mobile access of the Blackboard system, you may find that you can navigate and use some features.

If using BBLearn - Yes, you must download the Blackboard Mobile Learn app. After downloading the app, locate the campus by typing: University of Texas Health Science Center SA.

How do I make sure my desktop or laptop computer will work with the online classes?
For recommended computer settings, refer to the Top 10 Blackboard Student Technical Tips.

How do I enroll in online classes?
You are automatically enrolled when you register for a class that includes an online component. If you cannot access a course for which you registered contact the registrar. You may have a hold on your account which prevents course registration and enrollment. It takes at least 24 hours post registration or clearing a hold for enrollment to be complete.

I’ve never taken an online class, or I have used a different online system, and I need help learning how to get around. What should I do?
Often, experience is the best teacher and you can learn a lot just by exploring and trying things out or by connecting with a “study buddy” in one of your lecture classes. And we also have a practice course you can take. Call 210-567-7777, option 4 to request enrollment in this course if it’s not already listed in your available courses. We also provide links to internet tutorials to help you learn quickly in a zero-risk environment. Check out the online tutorials to get started.

II. Getting into online courses

What browsers and operating system are supported by Blackboard?
For a list the most up to date Blackboard supported browsers and operating system, click here.

I can’t find the Blackboard system. Where do I go online?
There are two easy ways to navigate to the Blackboard Login Page.

Option One: Select the Blackboard button (see red arrow below), from the left-most column on the inside.uthscsa.edu web page.	Option Two: Select the Blackboard link (see red arrow below) from the bottom of the www.uthscsa.edu web page.

I registered for classes, but the Blackboard system won’t accept my login information for my online courses. What should I do?
Typically this is due to an issue with the registration process or a hold on your account. First, contact the registrar (210-567-2621) for additional information. If you determine that your registration information is complete, contact the IMS Service Desk at 210-567-7777, option 4 for assistance.

Do I need a special username and password to get to my online courses?
No. Your UT Health Science Center domain user name and your Blackboard login (we call it the "domain user name") are the same. Similarly, your password is the same for any UTHSCSA web sites where you need to identify yourself to the system (we call this "authentication"). That means any changes you make to your UT Health Science Center DOMAIN password will be reflected in your Blackboard online course login.

Your DOMAIN password must be changed every 60 days. If you just changed the password, you might need to give the system a few minutes to "catch up" to your change as it updates your data record throughout the system.

NOTE, your DOMAIN account is a separate account from your LIVEMAIL account. Hence, when you change your password for your LIVEMAIL account it does not change your DOMAIN account. Hence the next time you log into Blackboard you must remember to use your new DOMAIN password.

What if I don’t know (or forget) my username or password?
If you have problems with your DOMAIN password and need to have it reset, call the IMS Service Desk at 210-567-7777, option 4 or click here for the UTHSCSA Domain Password Resetting Tool.

If you cannot recall your username, you will need to report in person to the [designated Computer Support location] with your picture UT HSC ID for additional assistance.

Will I have access to my UTHSCSA online classes and materials from the textbook publishers before the course starts and after the course is over?
You are not guaranteed access to the present semester’s courses until the official semester start date, and are not granted access to future courses at all. You will have access to your course content for one year after the end of the course or until you leave the university. When you leave the university, your domain account is suspended automatically and you will lose access to school course materials.

The access policy for supplemental materials supplied by textbook publishers varies. Check the terms of purchase/ terms of use for any items you purchased, or contact the publisher through its official web site to learn more.

What browsers work with Blackboard?
See Browser Settings for use with Blackboard sheet.

Do I select Yes or No in the Security Warning box?
You must carefully read the question to determine the answer. You want to be able to view nonsecure items or content NOT delivered securily. Open document to view and read more about the Security Warnings.

III. Taking online courses

How do I interact with instructors and other students using the online classes?
As a student, you can communicate with professors as per outlined in the course syllabus. Some instructors conduct all course related communication within the Blackboard course, while others do not. This is a decision that your instructor will make.

I can’t see my homework/discussion thread/quiz/grade. What do I do?
First, contact your instructor, who manages these elements of your online course and who may restrict access to certain items at her/his discretion. If the instructor determines that you are entitled to have access to the item in question, contact the IMS Service Desk at 210-567-7777, option 4 for additional assistance.

What if some documents cannot be downloaded in my online class?
In Internet Explorer when you try to download some files in Blackboard, you may see the Information Bar (a pale yellow bar just above the page content) and below the toolbars. The bar may be a warning that a file has been blocked from downloading. To disable the File Download Block (Internet Explorer), see instructions below. NOTE: UT Health Science Center does NOT recommend totally disabling the File Download Block.

Click the Tools menu (in the menu bar)
Select Internet Options sub-menu option
Click the Security tab
Click the Custom Level button
Locate Downloads option: "Automatic prompting for file downloads" and ensure it is selected
Click Enable
Click OK
Click OK

What if there are course materials missing from my online course?
Contact your instructor directly with any questions about availability of course materials. Note that instructors are not required to place all their class materials online, and some may use the online course only on a limited basis, or not at all. Also, some instructors may limit access to materials based on factors such as assignment due dates, class attendance/participation, clinical group membership, etc.

Where do I go for additional help?
The IMS/Blackboard team offers a comprehensive range of academic and student support services from orientation to graduation. Our student support includes comprehensive computer hardware support, individualized telephone and email technical assistance, and online troubleshooting resources. Our job is to ensure your success with the technology you need while you are learning at UTHSCSA. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for help whenever you need it by navigating to the IMS web site or calling 210-567-7777, option 4 between 8 am. and 5 pm. Monday through Friday for Blackboard support.

Technical Requirements

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FACULTY / STAFF

Development Workshops

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STUDENTS

Student Assistance

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Students FAQs

I. Preparing for online coursework

II. Getting into online courses

III. Taking online courses

I. Preparing for online coursework

II. Getting into online courses

III. Taking online courses