Quick Start Guide for Students

Logging In

Go to College of the Desert's Blackboard website and follow the instructions.

1. What is my username and password for Blackboard?

   Your Blackboard username is the same as your WebAdvisor username.
   
   If this is your first time using Blackboard at College of the Desert, your password is initially set to your birthdate in 'mmddyy' format. For example, if your birthday is May 12, 1984, your password is '051284'. We suggest that you change this password the first time you log in. If you have changed your Blackboard password in a previous semester, use the password that you created then.
   
   

2. I changed my Blackboard password but forgot it; what should I do?

   Access the Lost Password page, fill out either the top or bottom of the form and press the Submit button. Your password will be mailed to you at your specified email address.
   
   

3. I am able to login to Blackboard, but I don't see any (or all) of my online classes listed in my course list. Why not?

   If you don't see one or more of your online classes listed in your course list, it is most likely because your instructor has not yet made that particular class available to students. Some instructors leave their classes available at all times; others make them available on the first day of the semester. If you have any further concerns, email your instructor.

   Another reason that you may not see a particular class listed is if you just recently registered for that class. Enrollment data is uploaded from Web Advisor to Blackboard three times a day, so you may have to wait 8-10 hours after registering before you see your new class listed.
   
   

4. When I try logging in to Blackboard, the following message is displayed: An error occurred while the system was processing this login request. What is causing this?

   This error is usually caused by one of two problems:

   1. You made some minor error when typing your username or password.
   2. The Blackboard website or your internet connection experienced a momentary "glitch" and could not process your request.

   In either case, the best thing to do is wait a few seconds and try again, being extra careful to enter your data correctly.

   If this doesn't fix the problem, you may need to reboot your system and clear your browser cache and then try again.

5. How do I change my Blackboard email address?

   You must change your official COD email address using Web Advisor, and that new email address will be automatically uploaded to Blackboard.