FAQS & Workarounds
Review the frequently asked questions below and our Known Issues & Workarounds page for helpful tips. If you do not find the answer to your question, use the Contact Us Form to request assistance.
I am not able to log into Blackboard. What should I do?
Once your college application is processed and you have enrolled in a course, you will have access to Blackboard within a week of the course's official start date as listed in Self-Service.
If you do not remember your MATC network account login or your password expired, go to the online Online Password Manager and use the "Forgotten Username" or "Forgotten Password " tool. If you still cannot log in, contact the Help Desk at (414) 297-6541 for assistance.
What are the computer requirements to access Blackboard?
All MATC students will need access to a laptop or desktop computer to access Blackboard. Please see the Minimum Requirements Guide for more information. Students interested in accessing Blackboard using their tablet or smartphone should see the Bb Student App.
Where can I get more information about using my MATC Gmail account?
Your MATC Gmail account is your primary means of communicating with your instructor and college services. Through your MATC Gmail account, you also have access to Google Apps to create documents and store files. It is important to frequently check your MATC Gmail account's messages for class announcements from your instructors. Resources to help you get started are listed below.
How do I begin my online class?
To begin your online class, review the content on the Start Here page and attend an online Blackboard orientation.
How do I find out what books and materials I need for my online classes?
Your course syllabus may not be available until the first day of class. Visit the MATC Bookstore website to see what books and supplies you may need for your classes.
My new classes aren't appearing in Blackboard. What should I do?
New course enrollments from Self-Service typically will appear in Blackboard within 24 hours of registration. If you do not see your enrolled courses in Blackboard, review these trouble-shooting steps. If you are registered but the class is not displaying in Blackboard, contact Online Student Support immediately so that they can investigate and determine the correct solution.
My course is marked as "Private" and I can't access it. What does that mean?
New courses are initially marked as "Private" in Blackboard until the instructor makes them available to students by the course's official start date as listed in Self-Service. If a course does not become available by its start date, contact your instructor directly. Instructor information can be found by reviewing your course information in Self-Service. After the course has ended, your instructor may make the course "Private" once more.
Why are classes I completed last semester still displayed on Blackboard's Courses Page?
At the end of the semester, your instructor may turn off access to the course by marking courses as "Private" or "Complete". Old courses will display on your Courses page for a duration of four (4) years. You may use the Course List settings to sort and favorite your current courses.
How long will my course be available in Blackboard Ultra?
Instructors manage the availability of their courses to students in Blackboard. A course is made available to students no later than its start date and is available to enrolled students for the duration of the semester unless otherwise indicated. Semester courses are typically made unavailable to students after final grades have been submitted. If you have a question about your course's availability, contact your instructor directly.
How do I navigate Blackboard to complete class assessments and activities?
See the Blackboard Ultra Help page to learn how to navigate courses and assessments.
My instructor says we must use SmarterProctoring for testing. What is this?
Some instructors require students to take high-stakes online tests, such as midterms and finals, using an automated test proctoring tool called SmarterProctoring. An instructor may design a SmarterProctoring test session to include photo-ID verification, webcam/screen recording, and temporary browser lockdown features that prevent copying/pasting, printing, or accessing other applications during the test.
When clicking on a course menu link or folder, why do I see the message "Access Denied"?
This error message is usually related to an availability setting the instructor needs to update. Please follow up with the instructor so that the problem is corrected.
When clicking on a course menu button or folder, why do I see the message "Folder Empty"?
This message appears when the instructor has not made any content available or because the content is only available to students during a specific timeframe. Please contact your instructor for more information.
I am having a technical problem in Blackboard. How do I resolve it?
For a problem with course content, always contact your instructor as soon as possible. For technical problems, we recommend reviewing our troubleshooting guides below; if they do not address your concern, contact Online Student Support for assistance.