Student Help & Support
Course Technologies
As a UAA student, you have access to many types of technology tools. Use this section to learn more about the technologies we support across our courses.
- Core tools: UAA provides these tools, including Microsoft Office 365, to students at no cost
- IT Services: Tech support and information, including help with the tools below. You can also contact uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu, 907-786-4646, or 877-633-3888 (toll free). KPC IT and PWSC IT also support students at those campuses
- Accessibility and privacy information for UAA tools
- UAA online class tech requirements
- Honorlock: check out the Academic Support Services tab for more information on UAA's remote proctoring technology
- Blackboard
Blackboard
UA Blackboard Learn is UAA’s primary online space for courses. Most UAA courses use the Original course view, but a few are piloting Ultra this year. Your instructor will tell you if you are using Ultra, but if you aren’t sure:
- Check the Blackboard Quick Start help page
- Watch the UAA video: Distinguishing Original from Ultra
Learn more about Blackboard with Blackboard student help (Original), including Blackboard video tutorials.
For help with Ultra, try:
- Blackboard Ultra student help
- Blackboard: Common Questions About Ultra
- Blackboard Ultra video tutorials
- UAA Ultra help videos
- The Learning Commons (in the Academic Support Services tab) can also help you with Blackboard basics.
These are the most commonly used Blackboard tools:
- Content: Your instructors will post readings, videos, web links, etc. in Blackboard
- Discussions: The Discussion Board is a common way to interact with classmates
- Assignments
- Tests: Instructors may use this tool for quizzes, assignments with multiple questions, or ungraded practice activities, not just exams. Some courses use a remote proctoring service for exams, Honorlock. Check your syllabus and/or course orientation for more information
- My Grades: In addition to scores or grades, make sure to check your work for instructor feedback
Blackboard includes an accessibility tool, Ally. Blackboard Ally help shows how to convert files into alternative formats.
- Blackboard-Integrated Tools
Blackboard-Integrated Tools
My Media (Kaltura)
Kaltura is a video tool built into Blackboard. Instructors may use Kaltura to post videos for you to watch. If you have difficulty watching videos in Blackboard, contact IT Services for help. Visit our Creating Videos guide to learn how to use Kaltura to record, caption, store, and share videos in your courses. If you have trouble with Kaltura videos, you can contact the Instructional Media Studio at uaa_instructionalmedia@alaska.edu or at 907-786-4850.
VoiceThread
VoiceThread is a platform for asynchronous discussions on slides, images, or video presentations. Your instructor may use it to post mini-lectures, host discussions, or assign student presentations. You can only access it through Blackboard.
Publisher content
Many instructors link to textbooks and publisher learning platforms. For help with these, use the platform’s help portal.
- Zoom
Zoom
UA has a pro account for Zoom. Follow the Getting Started with Zoom instructions to activate your account, download the app, and learn to use it. Some courses use Zoom for class meetings. If so, the instructor usually posts a link in Blackboard to access the class Zoom sessions.
- Zoom help
- Add a Zoom profile picture (1:18, captioned)
- Update the Zoom app regularly to access new features and security fixes
- eWolf ePortfolio
eWolf ePortfolio
Digication is UAA's ePortfolio tool. Instructors may require the use of eWolf ePortfolio for your course. The ePortfolio lets you capture your course projects and reflect on your assignments, and can be a place for you to showcase work throughout your degree program. ePortfolio support is available and resources can be found on the eWolf help site.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Our courses adhere to all UAA Academic Policies and Processes as published in the most current version of the UAA Catalog. Please take time to review both the Catalog and UAA Student Handbook.
- Notice of Non-Discrimination
Notice of Non-Discrimination
The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.Title IX Statement
University of Alaska Anchorage policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability and protected veteran status. Discrimination includes any form of unequal treatment such as denial of opportunities, harassment, and violence. Sex-based violence includes rape, sexual assault, unwanted touching, stalking, dating/interpersonal violence, and sexual exploitation.
If you experience discrimination, you are encouraged (but not required) to report the incident to the UAA Office of Compliance and Rights. Learn more about your rights and options at its website or call 907-786-0818. You also may make an anonymous report online. The Office of Compliance and Rights website also includes a list of confidential resources for support and advocacy.
- Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services
If you experience a disability or suspect you experience a disability, please contact Disability Support Services to arrange for disability-related accommodations. UAA is committed to providing equal access to learning opportunities for students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to your classes and program, please contact DSS to engage in a confidential conversation about the process for requesting accommodations. (Meetings can occur by telephone or Zoom.) Accommodations are not provided retroactively, so please start this process early.
You are also welcome to contact the Disability Support Services office at uaa_dss@alaska.edu or 907-786-4530. Please see the DSS website for contacts at the community campuses, UAF, and UAS.
Learn more about Disability Support Services:
- Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a basic principle that requires students to take credit only for ideas and efforts that are their own. Cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are defined in the Student Code of Conduct, which can be found in the UAA Student Handbook.
Instances of cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will first go through the student conduct process and then, if a violation of the Student Code of Conduct is found, academic sanctions may occur in addition to disciplinary sanctions. The Student Conduct Review Procedures are outlined in the UAA Student Handbook.
To learn more about academic integrity, take the UAA tutorial. To access the tutorial, log in to Blackboard, go to UAA Academic Integrity Tutorial, then click Enroll. You can also read the UAA/APU Consortium Library academic integrity guide.
- Academic Disputes
Academic Disputes
The University has policies related to your rights as a student and the process for working through any disputes you may have. Those processes can be found in the section of the Catalog covering Academic Rights of Students and the Academic Dispute Resolution Procedure.
Students are responsible for knowing deadlines related to registration including add/drop, withdrawal, and refund deadlines. Those are posted by the UAA Registrar.
Academic Support Services
These services can help you excel in your courses and fulfill your academic goals. Reach out to them early for the best results.
- Academic Advising
Academic Advising
Begin your university experience by meeting with an academic advisor to determine the best program for you and plan a degree route to graduate in a timely manner. Visit Academic Advising to find your advisor or or log in to Navigate to schedule an appointment with your advisor.
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Faculty
Faculty
UAA faculty are the best resource for academic support. Regular communication with professors can help you stay on track with your course assignments. You can find your instructor’s contact information and office hours on the course syllabus.
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Learning Support
Learning Support
Learning Commons
The UAA Learning Commons offers student learning support resources for all UAA students, including a math lab, writing center, academic coaching center, tutoring in select subjects, and on-campus computer labs and study areas. Many of their services are available virtually.
Community Campus Resources
- KPC Kenai River Campus Learning Center and Kachemak Bay Campus Learning Resource Center
- Kodiak Learning Center
- Mat-Su Learning Resource Center
Online Tutoring
In addition to online tutoring through the Learning Commons, all Alaska residents can get tutoring through the Alaska Library Network’s program with tutor.com. This service provides help on K-12 and intro-level college subjects.
Disability-Related Accommodations
UAA is committed to providing equal access to learning opportunities for students with documented disabilities. Please contact Disability Support Services to arrange for disability-related accommodations. More information about DSS is available in the Student Rights & Responsibilities tab and on its website.
TRIO
TRIO provides academic mentoring and other student support services for first-generation, Pell grant-eligible, and/or students who experience disabilities. Please see the Representation and Engagement Resources section in the Student Services tab for more community-specific support options.
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Libraries
Libraries
The UAA/APU Consortium Library resources include electronic books, databases, online periodicals, substantial on-campus collections, and interlibrary loan. Libraries also have quiet study areas and access to computers. All UAA students are welcome to use the Consortium library resources:
The community campuses also have libraries for their students’ use:
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Online Classes
Online Classes
Please review the IT Services technology expectations for online classes.
Check with your academic advisor to be sure you understand how to participate in your online courses and keep up with activities. The Learning Commons academic coaches (under Learning Support above) can help you master Blackboard.
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Test Proctoring
Test Proctoring
The UAA Testing Center provides Anchorage campus testing for exams through a UAA, UAF, or UAS online course. It also offers UAA placement testing, exam proctoring for outside universities, and many other placement exams for a fee.
Some of our online courses use Honorlock, a remote proctoring service for exams. Check your syllabus and/or course orientation to learn whether your course uses Honorlock. If it does, instructions on how to schedule your proctored exam will be posted in the course before any exams. For more assistance with remote proctoring:
- Review the Honorlock student testing guidelines
- Contact Honorlock chat support
- Contact the UAA Testing Center
If you are eligible for disability-related accommodations on tests, please contact Disability Support Services for more information and scheduling.
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Textbooks and Course Materials
Textbooks and Course Materials
Students are responsible for accessing required course materials. Before courses start, you can see what materials are required by checking the UAA Online Bookstore (all campuses). Print orders take time to ship, so order materials early if possible. Once the course is available in Blackboard, check the syllabus or course introduction for information on required materials.
Student Services
Take advantage of the wide variety of services and resources available at UAA to help promote your academic and personal success and well-being.
- Enrollment Services
Enrollment Services
These departments help students enroll in and manage their courses at UAA.
Admissions
Not enrolled at UAA? Admissions can help you get started, whether your goal is a degree or just one course.
Registrar
The Office of the Registrar manages student records, including registration, degree progress, transcripts, and class scheduling. Check here for important dates and deadlines for each semester, as well as final exam schedules.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid office can help you make an informed decision about how to pay for college. Contact them to explore the many scholarship, grant, loan, and work-study options available to make UAA affordable!
Military and Veterans Services
- Anchorage Military & Veteran Student Services
- Kenai Peninsula College Veteran Services
- Kodiak College veteran assistance
- Mat-Su College veterans & military
- Prince William Sound College veterans education benefits
Academic Advising
Academic Advising works with students to plan their academic paths. More information about Advising is available in the Academic Support Services tab and on its website. - Health and Well-being Resources
Health and Well-being Resources
These services can help you stay healthy and safe, so you can make the most of your time at UAA. The following services are available to students on all UAA campuses:
- Care Team: Affiliated with the Dean of Students Office, the UAA Care Team promotes the safety and well-being of students. If you need help or have witnessed another student’s behavior that is distressful, disruptive, or concerning, you can contact the Care Team for assistance and referrals
- Psychological Services Center: This is a training clinic for graduate students in Clinical Psychology
programs supervised by licensed psychologists. Counseling is provided
to families and individuals across Alaska, not just students
Anchorage Resources
- Anchorage student health and safety: links to a variety of resources. If you aren’t sure where to start, start here!
- Student Health and Counseling Center: The Student Health and Counseling Center provides high quality and affordable health care, preventative health care, individual counseling, consulting, outreach and health education. Some of their health promotion resources include: health promotion and wellness services, an emergency food cache, and the Dating Violence and Sexual Assault (DVSA) Coalition for Change, which supports victims of sexual assault
- Togetherall: A free, anonymous online community that’s available 24/7 and moderated by mental health professionals. The Togetherall community can help you safely manage challenges and attend to your overall well-being. Use your UAA email account to register or learn more about it on the Student Health and Counseling Center mental health page
- Seawolf Sports Complex: Fitness facilities and intramural sports
- University Police Department: If you have an emergency on campus, dial 911. For non-emergency concerns, the University Police Department (UPD) can be contacted at 907-786-1120. If you see anything that poses a safety concern, please contact UPD
Kenai Peninsula College Resources
- KPC counseling and health: KPC offers a variety of counseling services and hosts a student health clinic at the Kenai River Campus that all KPC students are welcome to use
- KPC campus safety: If you have an emergency on campus, dial 911
Kodiak College Resources
Mat-Su College Resources
- Mat-Su counseling services: Free counseling sessions are available for Mat-Su College students, provided by Mat-Su Health Services, Inc.
- Mat-Su campus safety: If you have an emergency on campus, dial 911
Prince William Sound College Resources
Smoke and Tobacco-Free UAA
“Out of respect for others and the campus environment, tobacco use and smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes and similar products are prohibited on university property.” Learn more at Smoke and Tobacco-Free UAA.
- Representation and Engagement Resources
Representation and Engagement Resources
Find your community at UAA! These programs can help you navigate your university experience and find fun and rewarding ways to get involved.
Student Life
UAA Engage shows the wide range of UAA organizations, activities, and events happening on the Anchorage campus. Virtual events are open to students on all campuses.
Student Government
- The Union of Students of the University of Alaska Anchorage (USUAA) is the governing body for UAA students. It provides opportunities to develop leadership and advocacy skills while representing student interests and needs
- Kenai Peninsula College student government
Anchorage Campus
- Multicultural Student Services
- Native Student Services: Some virtual services are open to students on all campuses
- Seawolf Athletics
Visit Anchorage student resources for more programs.
Community Engagement
The Center for Community Engagement & Learning serves as the intersection of student learning, faculty research and creative activity, and community engagement. UAA’s community-engaged courses, internships, and service opportunities provide lots of ways for students to contribute to their communities.
On-Campus Living
These campuses have student housing options:
On-Campus Employment for Students
UAA offers on-campus jobs for students to work on campus. On-campus jobs provide students flexible hours around their academic schedules and valuable opportunities to build skills and professional experiences. Learn more and search for positions at On-Campus Jobs.
Career Exploration
Career Services offers all UAA students and alumni virtual networking, workshops, and career fairs. Anchorage students can also schedule appointments for assistance with resumes and cover letters, mock interviews, job and internship search strategies, or career exploration. These community campuses also provide career counseling:
- Kenai Peninsula College Career Services
- Mat-Su College Career Services
- Kodiak College Career Resources
Dean of Students
Students often land in the Dean of Students Office when they are not clear where to turn for help. They are here to help you work through the questions and concerns that inevitably arise during the transition to college.