Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more information regarding my students and my classes?

Student information and class information can be located on mybama@ua.edu.  A tutorial is located at the tutorial tab on the homepage and is recommended for each faculty member.  An academic calendar is furnished under the Academics tab in the Registrar section to identify important dates during the semester.

How do I develop a syllabus?

A section on syllabus development has been included on this site, along with a sample syllabus.

What should I do the first day of class?

See the section under ice breakers for ideas that will help introduce you to your students and will help with the first-day jitters.  Also check the site for student expectations to see a sample of things that students have identified as important to them in their classes/instructors.

How do I enter grades?

This can be accomplished on the mybama website.  The week before grades are due, a link will appear on your homepage.  Simply click that icon to move to enter grades.  Once a sheet of grades have been submitted, changes can only be made through a change of grade form which must be obtained from your department.  Additionally, there is a tutorial on the faculty tab located under the faculty dashboard that is entitled “How do I.”  It will guide through that process.

Where can I find out more about University policies and procedures regarding the classroom and teaching?

You may click on the Policies button on this site or the Policies button on the Teaching site to gather that information.

How can I contact my students, and do I have a website available for communication with my class?

On mybama, a list of your students by class section and their personal information is available.  Click on the faculty tab and scroll down to the faculty dashboard to find your class listing.  Once that list of students is obtained, an icon is available and can be clicked to send an email to all of your students, or you can send an email to an individual student.  The learning management system, eLearning is also available to instructors. An instructor must inform the department secretary which courses will be using eLearning to obtain eLearning courses.  The eLearning system has email capability for a student or the whole class.  That email function works within eLearning, but can be also forwarded to an outside email account.  In addition to email, the eLearning system provides chat, discussion, and who's online communication features  More information on using eLearning can be obtained at http://www.frc.ua.edu/elearning.html.        

Do I have to learn to use eLearning?

The learning management system, eLearning, is a resource that is available to assist in the teaching/learning environment and it has many facets that can help in class activities.  The Faculty Resource Center provides opportunities for learning how to best use the eLearning system.  Each college or department determines requirements regarding use of the learning management system.

Who are the staff members in my department and how can I get assistance?

Each department has a directory and the person responsible for assisting in that department can provide you with needed department information.  Additional department information can be obtained from the University Handbook or by visiting the U of A website.

Will I or my class be evaluated this semester?

Yes.  You will be assessed with an end of class evaluation by your students at the end of the semester.  The results will be given to you early in the next semester after being reviewed by your department.  A summary of the results of all instructors is posted on the U of A website.  Your department will determine if they will perform an evaluation of your teaching.

How do I select a text?

It is recommended that you discuss text requirements with a department head so that your class will meet the needs and objectives of the department.  After selecting a text, fill out a textbook order form within your department.  This needs to be done well in advance of the semester so that books will be available to the students in the bookstore.

What information do I need to have access to campus resources?

Obtain a campus wide identification number (CWID) and a bama ID to access mybama and eLearning.  Contact your office support person to obtain these identification numbers.  That person should also help you obtain a letter authorizing you a faculty/staff parking permit that should be taken to parking services in the Student Services Building.  An Alabama ID card, with appropriate clearance, will allow you to enter designated buildings that are locked after hours.  Testing Services can also be used and can be found on the mybama website.  Click on the Academics tab and scroll down to Testing Services.

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