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Expectation

Learning online requires access to internet and a device (laptop, tablet, etc.). In some courses, you may be required to have additional software, a webcam, etc. If you do not have the technology required for your course, please contact your instructor to discuss alternatives as soon as possible.

DSS Accessibility Statement

UAB is committed to providing an accessible learning experience for all students. If you are a student with a disability that qualifies under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and you require accommodations, please contact Disability Support Services for information on accommodations, registration, and procedures. Requests for reasonable accommodations involve an interactive process and consist of a collaborative effort among the student, DSS, faculty, and staff.

If you are registered with Disability Support Services, please contact DSS to discuss accommodations that may be necessary in your course. If you have a disability but have not contacted Disability Support Services, please call (205) 934-4205, visit the UAB DSS website, or visit Hill Student Center Suite 409.

DSS Contact Information

  • Phone (Voice): (205) 934-4205
  • TDD: (205) 934-4248
  • Fax: (205) 934-8170
  • Email: dss@uab.edu
On this page:

UAB courses are hosted in the Canvas Learning Management System. To access your courses, follow these steps:

  1. Access Canvas:
    • Go to uab.instructure.com. Enter your BlazerID and password.
    • Or, go to uab.edu/blazernet. Enter your BlazerID and password. Click on Enter BlazerNet. Under the Student tab, select the Canvas button located on the right side of the screen.  
  2. Your courses should be located on the Canvas dashboard. If you cannot see your courses, follow these instructions.
  3. Your instructors and peers in your Canvas courses will be using Canvas tools to communicate important information about your courses. You will need to customize your Canvas notification preferences to decide how often you want to be notified. It is recommended that you select to be notified “Right Away” or “Daily” so you do not miss important information.
  4. If you need help logging into Canvas or locating your courses, Canvas technical support is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Each of the support options below are also available from the Help button on the far left global navigation menu when logged into Canvas.
  5. To learn how to use Canvas, view the UAB Canvas webpage for tutorials and guides.
  6. You can access Canvas on your mobile device utilizing the Canvas Student Mobile App (iOS or Android).

Time Management 

Please remember that while your courses are online, these courses have assigned readings, learning activities, and assignments with due dates. In order to be successful in your courses, it is important that you prepare by following these tips.

  • Review the course syllabus and course schedule to check assignment due dates.
  • Schedule time each day to work on course activities.
  • Maintain a To-Do list, action list, or a calendar with due date reminders.
  • Prioritize urgent and important tasks.
  • Do not wait until the last minute to complete assigned readings, activities, and assignments.
  • When you have questions about your course content, reach out to your instructor as soon as possible.

Netiquette

Communication — Clear and regular communication between you and your instructors and peers is important to your success.

  • Use your UAB email or Canvas Inbox for all course-related email. Each instructor will have a preferred method for email, so identify which method is preferred for each instructor.
  • Check your email daily.
  • Do not discuss grades or personal matters (Example: health, financial problems, etc.) publicly in Canvas discussion boards, group emails, or web conferences. Discuss these matters privately with the instructor.
  • Use professional language and be respectful when communicating with your instructor and peers.
    • Do not type in ALL CAPS as that signifies screaming.
    • Avoid sarcasm or irony in responses when you disagree.
    • Be respectful and diplomatic (i.e., remember the human reading your message).
    • Avoid jargon and abbreviations you would use on social media or in text messages.

In addition to Canvas, your instructors may require the use of additional academic technologies. The following are the most commonly used technologies. For the full list of academic technologies and support guides, please visit the Academic Technologies page.

  • Microsoft Office — As a UAB student, you have free access to Microsoft Office 365 and 1Tb of file storage.
  • Adobe Reader — A free PDF file viewer that can open and interact with all types of PDF content, including forms and multimedia.
  • Zoom — A web conferencing tool that can be used to attend live lectures/meetings, virtual office hours, student group meetings, etc.
  • Turnitin — A tool used to check for plagiarism and improve student writing.
  • ProctorU — A live proctoring solution used to proctor online exams.
  • Respondus Monitor — An automated proctoring solution used to proctor online exams.

You may encounter additional required technologies. For the full list of academic technologies and support guides, please visit the Academic Technologies page.

Many UAB resources are available to distance students, including but not limited to the following:

  • University Writing Center — Offers free writing help to all UAB students.
  • UAB Libraries — Provides a set of library resources to help you continue with your coursework.
  • Disability Student Services (DSS) — Collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to provide the resources and assistance needed for students to have an accessible university experience.
  • UAB IT for Students — Provides consistent, accessible, personalized and collaborative environments to enhance the student experience.
  • Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center — Services provided include tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic advising, success advising, workshops and study hours.

Additional resources and services are available on the One Stop website.

  1. If you need help logging into Canvas or locating your courses, Canvas technical support is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Each of the support options below are also available from the Help button on the far left global navigation menu when logged into Canvas.
  2. If you need help with any other academic technology, please visit the eLearning Academic Technology Help page for technical support information.
  3. If you have questions related to course content, please reach out to your instructor. You can locate your instructor contact information in your Canvas course, by clicking on the People link on the course left navigation menu. If the People link is not available in your Canvas course, you can locate your instructor name in BlazerNet

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