Your instructor may use Blackboard Learning System (BLS). If you are enrolled in an on-campus course, your instructor will inform you about his/her using BLS as an online component for the class. Students enrolled in courses offered completely online will be notified by mail or the course management system (i.e. Blackboard) may be stated in the course listing within the Schedule of Classes.
Login access to students registered for a course using Blackboard Learning System (BLS) is available two weeks prior to the first day of class. However, an instructor can decide not to open the course link early. This can prevent students from being able to login to BLS if the studens are enrolled in only the one BLS course that the instructor has not opened. If a student is enrolled in several courses using BLS and at least one of the courses is opened early, the student will be able to login to BLS but will not be able to access the link for the course not opened by the instructor.If you cannot login to Blackboard, please review the following Q&A before contacting the HelpDesk for assistance:
- Are you registered for a course using Blackboard Learning System (BLS)?
Login to MyUAlbany and confirm that you are enrolled in the course. Then confirm that the instructor is using Blackboard (BLS). You can ask the instructor or review the list available on the Blackboard Course List page (select the appropriate semester of enrollment when reviewing the BLS course list.)Blackboard Course List
- When did you register for the course?
It takes 24 hours to process your enrollment. If you enroll in the course today, your access to Blackboard will be available tomorrow. (Reminder: Instructors using BLS can make their course available two weeks prior to first day of class. Therefore, you can only login to Blackboard if you have been registered more then 24 hours and the course is already available in BLS.)
- Are you landing on the correct login page for the Blackboard Learning System (BLS)?
Remove old bookmarks or favorites from your browser. Then go to the MyUAlbany web site and select the Blackboard (BLS) link. You will then find the BLS logon page.
- Do you know your NetID and UNIX password?
You may have set your UNIX password to be different from your MyUAlbany password. To set or reset your UNIX password, go to MyUAlbany and complete the Password Set/Reset process.
- Is your Caps Lock key engaged?
UNIX passwords are case sensitive. You must use the same combination of lower and upper case letters you used when you completed the Password Set/Reset process to create your UNIX password.
- Are your browser settings correct?
Pop-up blockers, cookie settings, and java-script settings in the browser can affect the logon process and the functionality of certain options within the online course area. You will also need to turn off or adjust pop-up blockers in software programs you may have installed such as Google or Yahoo toolbars. Review the Blackboard Browser FAQ page to tune-up your browser. Then complete the Blackboard 'Check Browser' process before attempting to logon to BLS.
- Are you attempting to access your Blackboard course from a work location or using a wireless router?
A wireless router and company networks have security system/firewall that may affect the login to BLS. Firewalls can also prevent access to some features in your Blackboard course. If you are at work, contact your company's network administrator for assistance. If you are using a wireless router, consult your owner's manual for assistance.More information for students about the Blackboard Learning System
If the above information does not resolve the problem you are experiencing, then submit a Help Request. In your request, please provide your full name, NetID, contact information (email/phone #), course catalog and class number, browser with version #, date when you registered for the course, and any error message you received when you attempted to login to BLS.
