Instructions for using Blackboard

This semester all your Reading Mastery Questions (called Test Mastery Questions) will be found on the Blackboard website. If you are familiar with Blackboard, you probably are ready to go. If you are not familiar with Blackboard, here is what you must do. Also, even if you have a Blackboard password, it must be changed every six months for security reasons. The assignments will be posted beginning the first week of the semester.

1. a. Log in to VIP at http://vip.sc.edu using your USCA user name and four digit PIN

b. Click on the Technology link on the left

c. Click on the Show Me Network User name link. Your network user name will be displayed and you will be prompted to choose your password.

You must type in the password twice to verify your choice. You must choose an 8 digit password that includes at least one upper case letter, one lower case letter, one number, and one special character.

d. Be sure to memorize this or keep a record somewhere secure so no one will have access to this!

If you receive error messages from VIP (either when looking up your username or setting the password) please carefully record the error message and code and contact the USC Computer Services Help Desk, 777-1800 or the USCA CSD Help Desk at 641-4357.

2. a. Now that you have a USC password, you can begin to use Blackboard! Go to www.usca.edu/helpdesk to get started

b. Click on the Current Students link

c. Go to Assistance with Blackboard (html version)

d. There you will find instructions for getting into Blackboard and logging in. Remember that you will have to use your USC Network User Name and password