Author: Erin Warner

RESOLVED – Qualtrics Outgoing Emails Error

Update 3/10/23: The issue is resolved.

If you are still getting an error message, please submit a request through our support portal.


We are aware of an issue with outgoing emails in Qualtrics. All UA Qualtrics users that attempt to send email responses will receive an error message that states “Weekly email limit reached. You’ve reached the maximum number of weekly emails allowed for your brand. Check back later to try again.”

We are working with Qualtrics Support to temporarily increase this limit and resolve the issue. If you have any questions, please submit a request through our support portal.

Known Issue – File Response test question issue in Blackboard

We are aware of an issue in Blackboard tests with a file response question type. If the test is set to open in a new window, students are unable to attach and submit a file when trying to attach a file to a File Response question. There is no obvious error, the file just will not attach.

Please visit the CIT Knowledge Base for the steps to resolve this issue:  Students are unable to attach a file to a file response test question

Known Issue – Special Characters in Blackboard

The following special characters may cause error messages when used in the name of items like assignments, tests, discussion board forums, and file attachments:

% & # < > = \ + / ‘ , ” : ! ? $ @ | [ ] { }

The best solution is to remove special characters from previously mentioned items in Blackboard. If you are receiving an error message, and are unsure about the root cause, please contact CIT for more troubleshooting.

Clicker software updated on classroom computers

Look for the Point Solutions icon on classroom computers!
Point Solutions

Last year, TurningTechnologies merged with Echo360.  The software and mobile app changed their name to Point Solutions, and the classroom computers will have the updated version of the software. The processes in the desktop software (for instructors) are the same, but with new branding from Echo360.

For more information about Echo360 visit the CIT Knowledge Base or echo360.com.

Known Issue: Turnitin Maintenance Jan 14

Turnitin will take an 8 hour maintenance window on January 14 from 11:00 AM CT – 7:00 PM CT.

The following CIT supported services are unavailable during these times:

Turnitin
Draft Coach
Gradescope
Feedback Studio for iOS

If you have any questions, please make a request through the CIT Support Portal.

Instructional Technology News – November 4, 2022

Hello from your colleagues in CIT! Below you’ll find resources to help with your teaching needs, as well as announcements and workshops. If you need help with instructional technology, please contact cit@ua.edu.

Introducing Dr. Karen Burns, CIT’s Assistant Director of Education and Outreach!

I am excited to serve in this new role! I have been a part of CIT since 2008, responsible for people.ua.edu, VoiceThread, Flipgrid (now Flip), and Zoom. During that time, I completed my master’s degree and doctorate degree through the College of Education with a focus on instructional leadership and technology. I am particularly passionate about all things related to gamification and game-based learning. If you are really curious, you can read more about me on my website, http://kaburns.people.ua.edu.

Anyone up for a scavenger hunt or escape room? Get in touch at cit@ua.edu!

Resources for Teaching and Learning:

Explore Blackboard Ultra

Learn about UA’s Ultra pilot and request a practice course: Ultra Course Pilot Information

Upcoming Events from CIT, OIT, UA Online and more!

It’s back! Hosted by UA Online, the Online Learning Innovation Summit returns on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Bryant Conference Center. Faculty, staff and graduate students will come together for a full day of sessions on inclusive online classrooms, course quality, digital accessibility, technology tools and innovative course design.

This year’s theme is Transforming the Online Classroom: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovation. Do you have a success story, an innovative strategy or a demonstration you would like to share? The OLIS Planning Team welcomes your proposals. Visit the OLIS website to submit a proposal by November 14th and to register for the event.

RESOLVED: Pearson MyLabs & Mastering unavailable in Blackboard

Update 11/3/22 10:36 AM: Pearson reports the issue as resolved.

RESOLVED: The issue with MyLabs & Mastering customers receiving a 504 error has been resolved. Thank you for your patience


We are aware of an issue with Pearson MyLabs & Mastering in Blackboard. Pearson’s status page lists this service disruption starting at 9:44 AM on November 3, 2022.

INVESTIGATING: We are investigating an issue that is impacting your course access. Customers may experience a 504 error message when accessing courses or course content.

Users can check on the availability of MyLabs & Mastering on Pearson’s status page. CIT will continue to monitor the issue and update this post as new information becomes available.

Resolved – Blackboard files error

Update Oct 25 3:24 PM: Blackboard Support reports that the Blackboard files issue was with one of their vendors and is now resolved. If you are still seeing the error, please clear the cache in your internet browser.

If the issue persists contact the Center for Instructional Technology.

We are aware of an issue with access to files in Blackboard. Users may see a screen with a Blackboard logo, the words “Learn SaaS”, and an icon of a computer screen and a wrench.

Blackboard Learn SaaS Maintenance

We are working with Blackboard Support to resolve this issue and we will update this post with any updates.