Help Is Here From Day One

Whether you’re enrolled in college for the first time or are just new to The University of Texas Permian Basin, we know starting fresh can feel overwhelming. Let us put your concerns to rest.

At UTPB, we’re dedicated to providing a level of personal attention and service you can’t get at a larger university—in the UT System or elsewhere. If you ever need help, don’t be afraid to ask — we’re here for you. It’s that simple.

Here’s some information that will help you succeed in your online UTPB program on day one and beyond:

We recommend online students connect with our online advising team to help customize their academic plan. To schedule an appointment as an undergraduate student, email OnlineAdvising@utpb.edu.   To schedule an appointment as a graduate student, email your graduate faculty advisor (found in admission letter).

All first-time online students are required to complete the orientation to online learning course.  
To sign up for the online student orientation, please click here.  

Preparing For Classes 

Before the First Day of Class 

  1. Check Your Schedule 
    Log in to your myUTPB account to find your schedule.  
  1. Find Your Course Materials 
    Get your course materials before classes start or during the first week of the semester. Review your course syllabi. You can purchase your materials online at the UTPB Bookstore
  1. Check the  Academic Calendar for the first day of class. 

First Day of Class 

  1. Go to  Canvas Course Login. 
  1. Username: lastname_firstinitial+last 5 numbers of UT ID and password you created at  myUTPB.edu 
  1. Once you log in on the first day of class, you will see your course(s) listed under Course>  All Courses. To see courses on your dashboard, you must select the star next to the classes with stars under Course>  All Courses

UT Permian Basin uses Canvas for its online learning platform. Technical requirements as they relate to Canvas are found below.  

Computer Specifications for Canvas 

Canvas provides an up-to-date guide that provides computer specifications required to use the platform.  

Canvas Support Hotline is available inside of Canvas under Help on the side menu. Students can call 866-437-0867.  

Browsers 
Currently, Chrome is recommended for best results when using Canvas. 

Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor 

Some UTPB courses require the use of Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor for online exams. Please view this  short video  to get a basic understanding of this free tool. 

If required, please download and install the free UTPB instance of Respondus Lockdown Browser. 


If you run into any technical issues, use the any of the following options for help:  

  • Call Canvas Help 24/7 at 1 (866) 437-0867 (toll free). 
  • Use Help in Canvas for  Chat/Submit a ticket. 
  • Contact UTPB at  help@utpb.edu  for utpb.edu and UTPB email problems. 
  • Emailfalcononline@utpb.edu  if you are totally lost about where to go for help. FalconOnline staff are here to help.  

Preparation 

  • Contact the instructor before the first day of the session to get acquainted. The contact information is in the syllabus and the online directory. 
  • Arrange for regular, dependable Internet access at home, or find a reliable location for connectivity. 
  • Review the technical requirements in the respective section above. 
  • Get textbooks, study guides, software, and other course materials listed in the syllabus. Most materials are listed at the UTPB Bookstore. Look up your term, course, and section for correct materials. 
  • Log in to  my.utpb.edu
  • Set up your  Canvas profile and notifications
  • Your  UTPB email is active when you’re enrolled in classes. With UTPB email, you get  Microsoft Office 365, which includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other applications. 
  • On the first day of class, your course appears on the Canvas Dashboard. Spend time finding your way around the class. Figure out what the links/buttons do and explore the tools. 
  • Make sure you read the syllabus for the course carefully. It will answer most of the questions you have about how to succeed in the course. 
  • Review all the help files your instructor lists in the syllabus—especially for special plug-ins or software needed for the course. 
  • Download and/or print pages for reference and review when you are offline. 
  • Go through any tutorials provided or set up any special accounts such as: 
  • SmarterMeasure  to check your skills for learning and working in the online environment. 
  • Smarthinking, inside Canvas, offers online tutoring sessions. 

Participation 

  • Actively participate. Share information. Join discussions. Ask questions of your instructor and other students. Use email, chat, and discussion boards. 
  • Look for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Chances are someone has asked the same question you have. 
  • Form virtual study groups with your classmates. Share notes, tips, helpful suggestions, and ask questions. 
  • Stay in close contact with your instructor and fellow classmates. 

Persistence 

  • If you have trouble with the technology, contact the 24/7 Help Desk or call the instructor at the phone number in the syllabus. 
  • If you have a question, ask it.   
  • Take note of information that is confusing or unclear, then seek out the answers from your instructor and fellow classmates. Be proactive. Don’t wait. 
  • If you run into difficulties, contact your instructor immediately. Most problems are easily solved, but you must bring them up first. 
  • If technical problems come up in your online course in Canvas, contact Canvas Help at (866) 437-0867. 
  • Give yourself plenty of time to complete your assignments and prepare for tests. Treat your online course with the same dedication and effort you would devote to in-person courses. 
  • Stay updated on your weekly assignments. Most online courses have regular schedules. 
  • Use the online course calendar to carefully plan your schedule and stick to it, making special note of required assignments or tests. 

Patience 

  • Be patient with yourself. Allow extra time to learn course content or new technical skills that may be unfamiliar. 
  • Be patient with your classmates. Show respect in your communication with them—whether by email, in chat, or on discussion boards.  
  • Before you send any communication to the class, read it over. They can’t see your face or read your body language, so your written communication is very important. Be clear, succinct, and respectful. 

You will need to register for classes each semester. Before you can enroll for your first class at UTPB, there are a few steps that you have to take to make sure you enroll in the correct classes.   

The steps you need to take are found below: 

  1. Know Your Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Status  
    The TSI is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help the university determine if you are ready for college-level coursework in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. You’ll fall into one of four categories:  

    • Met the requirement – Students who have already taken the TSI test or who are transferring credit for a math, reading, and/or writing class. This demonstrates that they have met the requirement. 
    • Exempt – Students can be exempt from the TSI requirement based on scores from standardized tests or other life experiences. 
    • Not exempt but have taken required tests — All students who have not met the TSI requirements or have an exemption must take the TSI test.  If a student does not pass the required sections of the test, their advisor will use their test scores to determine what remedial classes they should be placed in.   
    • Not exempt and have not completed required tests – All students who have not met the TSI requirements or have an exemption must take the TSI test before they can register.     

      To find out if you have to take the TSI Assessment or if you are exempt:  

If you find that you have a TSI hold and you believe you have met the requirements, please email the registrar’s office by emailing registrar@utpb.edu.

  1. Attend Your Online Student Orientation (see respective topic above)  
    Once you know your TSI status and have attended online student orientation, it’s now time to get ready to register.   
  1. Contact Academic Advising 
    All students have an academic advising hold placed on their account for the first semester.  All online students should contact the online advising office at OnlineAdvising@utpb.edu to obtain a degree plan and be cleared to register.   
  1. Log In to myUTPB to Register  
    Once you’ve received your degree plan and have been cleared to register, you can log into the student portal and select your classes.  Click here  to log in to the myUTPB portal to register for your classes.   

You will need your FalconID to log into the system.  You probably have already claimed it to use in your admission portal but if you need assistance, visit the FalconID management tools page.