UofL uses Blackboard, a course management system, to facilitate online learning. When classes begin for the semester, you will log in to Blackboard to access your course. Each online course you’re taking has its own site within Blackboard; these sites are your online classrooms. See the Blackboard module for more information.

Online courses follow the same academic calendar as face-to-face courses. You’ll receive instructions via e-mail to your university account before the class begins describing how to log in to Blackboard. Be sure to log in and find your course no later than the first day of the semester. When you enter the course, you’ll likely be taken directly to the announcements section of your course. This is where your instructor might post updates about the class, and there could be a welcome message waiting for you when you log in that describes what you need to do first. In rare cases, instructors use a learning management system other than Blackboard to administer the course. This would probably be posted in the announcement section or communicated to you via e-mail. Official university e-mail will be sent to your UofL-assigned e-mail account, so it’s important to check it regularly.

If no announcements are posted, look for the course syllabus. Just like in a face-to-face course, the course syllabus is your guide for the semester. It will likely explain the structure of the course, grading criteria, assignments, deadlines, course policies, and more. If you can’t find the syllabus or you have questions, contact your instructor immediately. If you don’t know who is teaching your course, call the Office of Online Learning at 502-852-8870.

You may feel overwhelmed when you begin an online course. This is normal! Most students become accustomed to the routine of the course after a few weeks. 

Log in to your course on the first day of the semester and find your syllabus. 
The syllabus is your guide for the semester.