Blackboard Student FAQ

Question: How do I access my courses?

Answer: First students must go to http://ucmo.edu/portal/ and establish their network account.   For help with this contact the HelpDesk by calling 660 543-4357, option 3, by emailing helpdesk@ucmo.edu, or stop by Humphreys room 200.

Question: What is my username?

Answer: If you were a student before fall semester 2006, usernames are your first, middle, and last initial, followed by the last four digits of your Social Security Number and a zero.   Example: Mary Jane Doe's username would be mjd12340

Otherwise, usernames are your first, middle, and last initial, followed by the last four digits of your 700 number and a zero.   Example: John R. Doe's (700125678) username would be jrd56780

Question: What is my password?

Answer: Your password is your network PIN.   This is the same PIN you use to enroll for classes or view grades in the enrollment system ( http://ucmo.edu/portal/).

By default, your password is the date your born in one of two formats, depending on when you first enrolled on campus.   It will either be MO/DY or MO/DY/YR (without the foward slashes).   Example: If you were born January 2, 2007, your password would be either "0102" or "010207"

Question: I keep getting an error message when trying to login to Blackboard.

Answer: You could get 1 of 2 error messages when trying to login in to Blackboard:

1. An error occurred while the system was processing this login request.

This most likely corresponds to an invalid username.   If you receive this message, check the above Question: What is my username?, submit a Blackboard Support Request, or contact the Blackboard Help Desk at (660) 543-8484 or email bbhelp@ucmo.edu.

2. Could not login. Valid authentication credentials were not provided.

This corresponds to an invalid password.   If you receive this error message check the above Qusetion: What is my password?.

Question: Can I use my home e-mail address with Blackboard?

Answer: No.   Per UCM established procedure your ucmo or student mail account is programmed into Blackboard automatically.   For more information contact Information Services at 660-543-HELP or help@ucmo.edu.

Question: Why does a course I dropped still appear on my Blackboard page?

Answer: The system does not automatically remove you from Blackboard's courses when you drop.   An automated message is periodically sent to instructors but you may also contact the instructor of record to notify them that you are no longer enrolled in their course.

Question: Why don't my new courses appear in Blackboard?

Answer: This is due to one of two things.   Your instructors have not made the Blackboard sections available to students yet, or you might not actually be in that course within the Blackboard system.   Either way, contact your instructor and let them know you are unable to access the Blackboard section.

Question: Why can't I access audio files from Blackboard?

Answer: You must first have Real media player downloaded to your computer and set as the default player for audio files. To access the free download Click Here.   If this link does not work you can find the directions for the free download at www.real.com.

Question: Where can I find the user's manual?

Answer: You can find a searchable manual under "Course Tools", provided the instructor hasn't disabled that feature.   You can also access a PDF manual after creating an account at Behind the Blackboard.

Question: Why is my instructor not receiving my assignment through the digital drop box?

Answer: When submitting assignments through Blackboard, there are two options. One option, "Add File" allows you to put the item into the box but does not automatically get sent to the instructor.   This can be helpful if you do assignments ahead of schedule and want to wait to submit them.   This option also allows you to remove the item if you wish.   When you are ready to send the file you must choose "Send File" then select the item you wish to send from the drop down menu.   Selecting "Send File" when you want to submit an assignment simultaneously adds it to your drop box and sends it to your instructor.

Question: Why can't my instructor open the files I submitted?

Answer: You may have not named the files properly for use on the web or are using a file format their computer cannot read.   Check the Naming Conventions Document for more information.

Question: I don't see an announcement my instructor posted last week.

Answer: You should see tabs above the announcements to view today, the last 7 days, last 30 days, and all.   Searching these tabs should help you find the announcement you are looking for.

Question: When I click on the link for a test or a web site nothing happens.   What's the problem?

Answer: Instructors can set tests, external web links, and other files to open in a new window so students do not loose their place in Blackboard.   If the student has their Internet browser set to block pop-ups, these new windows will not open.   To access these features of Blackboard, the student needs to change the settings on their browser to allow pop-ups or disable their pop-up blocker.   With some pop-up blockers, if you hold the Shift or Ctrl key while clicking on the link, you may be able to view the window.   See this Document for help configuring your browser for use with Blackboard.

Question: Why don't I have a timer showing when I take a test in Blackboard?

Answer: In order for the timer to display properly you must have the status bar enabled and have allowed status bar changes to be made via javascript.   See this Document to change these and other settings on your browser.   Pay particular attention to "Enable Status Bar," "Enable Javascript" and "Advanced Javascript Settings".

Question: When I try to open a file with a .pdf extension I get a blank window.   What's wrong?

Answer: You need to update your version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.   Go to the Blackboard Student Help Page and download the latest version.

Question: I am unable to access certain areas of the Blackboard system, what can I do?

Answer: You need to ensure your current browser is supported by Blackboard.   Check the Browser Compatablility Matrix for more information.

You may need to clear your browser's cache.   Follow this Guide for instructions on clearing the cache.

Your browser may not be configured properly for use with Blackboard.   Follow this Guide to configure your respective browser.

Question: The collaboration tools (virtual classroom and chat) don't work on my computer.   What do I need to fix?

Answer: To use these tools you must download an upgraded Java Plug-In .   The link for downloading this appears in the Blackboard window when you try to access these tools.   Just follow the directions listed there.

You may also want to check your browser settings, this Guide will help.

Question: I've downloaded the Java Plug-In and the collaboration tools still won't open.   What's the problem?

Answer: If you are accessing the virtual classroom or chat with a dial-up connection that has a low bandwidth, these tools won't load or work properly.   If you are having connection problems, contact your instructor for options to this type of activity.   You may need to find another computer with a better connection to participate in group collaboration.   Consider trying a computer lab on campus or a computer at your local public library.