Getting Started Online
For students *new* to Sacred Heart University, you must first apply to the program of your choice. This can be accomplished online through the Office of Admissions.
REGISTRATION
Once accepted, you may then register for a course. Information on registration is available through the Registrar's Office. You will find most of the forms you may need in downloadable format on the Forms and Requests page. After you have registered for your first course(s), you may then register electronically for subsequent terms directly through the Web Advisor system. Instructions for registering through Web Advisor are also available on the Registrar's page.
ACTIVATING YOUR NETWORK ACCOUNT
On-line courses utilize the Blackboard Course Management system. In order to participate in an on-line course you must first:
- be officially registered for a course at the University (see above) and have an assigned ID Number
- activate your Sacred Heart University email account
For new students, you should expect to receive a letter from the Office of Instructional Technology containing your ID Number and instructions on how to set up your network account 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the term in which you have enrolled.
If you have not received a letter in the mail with your course information by the first day of class please fill out the Online Course Information Request Form or contact the Digital Learning Support line at (203) 365-7613 to receive your information.
For additional information on working with the Blackboard Course Management system, please visit our 'Online Tutorials' page.
In order to activate your email account, you will need this assigned ID Number. If you do not receive a letter 1 week prior to the start of the term or do not have this number available, you may obtain it by calling the Office of Instructional Technology (203-365-7613) or the Registrar's Office (203-371-7890) and they can provide it for you. Your Sacred Heart University email account serves as your official correspondence address as well as your network and Blackboard logon name. If you haven't done so, you must activate your email account by accessing the SHU Account Management system.
ORDERING YOUR TEXTBOOK(S)
Please be sure to visit the SHU Bookstore where you may also purchase your books online. To find the books for your course, be sure to click the 'Find Your Textbook' link.
Please contact the Office of Instructional Technology (203-365-7613) if you have any questions.
How to Access Your Email
After your account has been activated, you may then access your email by clicking on 'Quick Links' in the upper right hand corner of the SHU Home Page and clicking 'Email' in the pop-up menu. You may wish to bookmark this page (https://owa.sacredheart.edu/exchange/) in your web browser for quick access to your email account.
You may also now login to the Blackboard system through the MySHU Portal (the MySHU link is also available on the Sacred Heart University Home Page).
Once you have logged on, you can view a list of your course(s) by clicking on the 'Courses' tab at the top of the screen. (Note: in many instances, your courses will not be available to you until the first official day of class).
For additional information on the features available in the Blackboard system, please be sure to visit the Information Technology Department Blackboard page.
For additional information on working with the Blackboard Course Management system, please visit our 'Online Tutorials' page.
If you experience any technical difficulties with your online course(s), please contact the Office of Instructional Technology at 203-365-7613 and they will assist you or route your inquiry to the appropriate support center.
