Body
Overview
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the Learning Management System (LMS), Blackboard.
In this article:
For Students
How do I log into Blackboard?
Before you can log into Blackboard, ensure that you have registered for courses in UAOnline and set up Duo Mobile on a smartphone:
Once you have completed these two requirements, please refer to our knowledge article, Log in to the Learning Management System (Blackboard)
Why do I get a "Bypass Code" message when I try to log in?
This error message appears at the Duo Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA) prompt when you attempt to sign in without first setting up the Duo Mobile app on a smartphone associated with your University of Alaska account. To set up Duo Mobile on a smartphone, go to uaa.alaska.edu/mfa
To learn more why this error appears, visit the FAQ for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) knowledge article.
I get an "account expired" error when I log in
As stated in the previous section, before you can log into Blackboard, you must first register for courses in UAOnline. Once you have registered, allow up to two business days for your Blackboard account to become available.
Why is my course locked and closed?
This setting is controlled by your instructor, so you will need to contact them directly. Instructors are solely responsible for managing their courses, not UAA IT Services. If the course remains locked after the first week of the semester and your instructor is unresponsive, we can attempt to contact the instructor on your behalf. However, we cannot unlock the course ourselves without their written approval.
How long is my access to Blackboard?
Similar to your University of Alaska (UA) email account, Blackboard access follows the same account expiration policy described in our FAQ for Email knowledge article:
Student accounts expire three semesters (one year) after the last day of the last semester of attendance. Year-old student accounts are expired semesterly.
However, UAA alumni may apply for an Alumni Email Extension, which can restore access to Blackboard.
I don't see my old courses anymore, or they're locked
Review our Blackboard Use Policy, section VI. Course Management, 7. Automated deletion of courses: uaa.alaska.edu/about/administrative-services/policies/information-technology/blackboard-use.cshtml
If you can still see an older course but it is marked as Locked or Closed, you will need to contact the instructor. As noted above, UAA IT Services does not manage these course settings.
Additionally, the Original Course view is being discontinued on December 30, 2026, and older courses that have not been converted into Ultra may not be available sooner than four years.
Honorlock Proctoring Software
Please refer to our knowledge article, About Honorlock Proctoring Software.
Third-Party Online Homework and Books
Issues and inquiries related to third-party online homework and textbook platforms (also known as digital courseware services), such as Pearson MyLab and Mastering, McGraw Hill Connect and ALEKS, and Cengage MindTap and WebAssign, are not supported by UAA IT Services. Please contact the vendor's support team directly.
If you purchased these services through the UAA Online Bookstore, please reach out: uaa.alaska.edu/students/bookstore
Where are my UAF courses?
Since Spring 2024, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) has transitioned away from Blackboard to Canvas by Instructure for course delivery. As a result, UAA IT Services is unable to provide support for UAF courses in Canvas.
To learn more and how to get additional support, please go to UAF's Canvas page at uaf.edu/uaf/current/canvas.php
What's the difference between Blackboard Original and Blackboard Ultra?
Blackboard Original has a traditional website-style appearance, with course tools and content organized across multiple menus and pages. Blackboard Ultra features a cleaner, more modern, and mobile-friendly layout that makes course materials, assignments, grades, and messages easier to locate.
For Faculty
How do I log into Blackboard?
Before you can log into Blackboard, ensure that you are an active University of Alaska (UA) employee with a defined start date and set up Duo Mobile on a smartphone: uaa.alaska.edu/mfa
Once you have completed these two requirements, please refer to our knowledge article, Log in to the Learning Management System (Blackboard).
I get an "account expired" error when I log in
As stated in the previous section, before you can log into Blackboard, you must be an active UA employee with a defined start date. If you are unsure of your start date, reach out to your department or UA Human Resources (HR). Allow up to two business days after your start date for your Blackboard account to become available.
I don't see the course I'm teaching in Blackboard
Your department and the UAA Office of the Registrar must designate you as the official Instructor of Record before the information syncs to Blackboard and grants you access. Please coordinate with your department and the UAA Office of the Registrar for assistance: uaa.alaska.edu/students/registrar/faculty-resources.
Once you're an Instructor of Record for a course, allow up to two business days for your Blackboard course to become available.
How do I unlock and open my course?
Please refer to Blackboard's official documentation here: Blackboard LMS Help Center - Course Settings.
If you are experiencing issues, UAA IT Services can unlock and open your course with your permission by submitting a Support for the Learning Management System ticket.
How long is my access to Blackboard?
Similar to your University of Alaska (UA) email account, Blackboard access follows the same account expiration policy described in our Email FAQ knowledge article:
Employee accounts, including other employee-sponsored accounts, expire when leaving the university or are locked by department request.
How long do courses stay within Blackboard?
Review our Blackboard Use Policy, section VI. Course Management, 7. Automated deletion of courses: uaa.alaska.edu/about/administrative-services/policies/information-technology/blackboard-use.cshtml
Additionally, the Original Course view is being discontinued on December 30, 2026, and older courses that have not been converted into Ultra may not be available sooner than four years.
What is a Blackboard Development (Dev) shell?
A Blackboard Development shell (or "dev shell" for short) is a shell that's typically used for developing course shells in it's own "sandbox" environment.
To request a dev shell, please submit a Support for the Learning Management System ticket.
Course Design Help
UAA IT Services cannot provide course design consultation. We can only assist with Blackboard technical issues. For course design inquiries, such as designing the course layout, setting up assignments, structuring the gradebook, etc., please schedule an appointment with Faculty Success.
How do I copy a course?
Please refer to our knowledge article, Course Copy using Learning Management System (Blackboard) for Instructors.
If you are experiencing issues, UAA IT Services can perform the course copy by submitting a Support for the Learning Management System ticket.
Merge similar courses
To merge courses, they must meet the criteria established by the Registrar's Office. To ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), please submit a Support for the Learning Management System ticket.
Honorlock Proctoring Software
Please refer to our knowledge article, About Honorlock Proctoring Software.
For additional Honorlock faculty resources, please review the Honorlock knowledge articles.
Third-Party Online Homework and Books
Issues and inquiries related to third-party online homework and textbook platforms (also known as digital courseware services), such as Pearson MyLab and Mastering, McGraw Hill Connect and ALEKS, and Cengage MindTap and WebAssign, are not supported by UAA IT Services. Please contact the vendor's support team directly.
However, we can assist with Blackboard integrations, including linking and configuring these tools within Blackboard course shells. For assistance, please submit a Support for the Learning Management System ticket.