Once you have registered with the University of the Free State (UFS), you will have access to the UFS student portal. This portal is a way for you to communicate with your professors and stay informed on the latest news concerning your classes, assignments and tests.
In this article, we’ll explain how you can use the UFS self-services, and we’ll guide you on how to access the UFS blackboard and troubleshoot login issues. You can also find out more about the Blackboard mobile app and learn where to download it.
How to Use the UFS Self-Service Portal
➢ Access the UFS Self Service Portal here.
Student Password Management
On the UFS self-service homepage, you’ll find the student password management section. Here you can change or reset your password, set up security questions, and solve login issues.
If you’re using it for the first time, you can click on the student password management section. The portal will ask you to choose a new password and set up security questions.
The security questions have to be something that you can remember because you’ll be asked to answer these questions when you request to change or forgot your password. For example, “What was your first dog’s name?”
If you forgot your password, you should click on the ‘forgot password’ button. You can either reset your password by answering security questions or by entering a security code.
Reset Password by Answering Security Questions
The portal will request your username, which is also your student number. Once you have entered it, you can reset your password by answering the security questions that you have previously set up.
Suppose you don’t have any security questions set up or still experiencing login issues. In that case, you can proceed to the next step.
Reset Password by SMS or Email Address
When you click on the ‘Forgot Password’ Button, the portal will request your username. The portal will search your username and ask permission to access your mobile number and email address.
After entering your username, UFS will send you a security code to the mobile number or email address associated with your student account.
Once you have received the code, copy and paste it onto the portal and then click confirm. If you’re still having trouble logging in, you can contact the University.
● Password Assistance: (+27) 51 401 2442
UFS Student Self Service Portal
The UFS self-service portal makes it easy for you to access your personal information, results, schedules, and consult student inquiries from the comfort of your home.
Follow these steps:
➢ Log in to the UFS self-service portal
➢ Choose your request
➢ Enter the date
➢ Select ‘continue’
You can request the following:
Academic Records
Your academic record shows the course you are registered for and shows your completed modules’ marks.
Financial Records
A financial record summarizes your payments and also indicates your outstanding payments.
Timetables
You can download a timetable that tells you what classes you’ll attend for the specific semester, and it also shows your class locations. In the case of distance learning, your timetable may be different from the one provided online.
Proof of Registration
The proof of registration will show for which courses you are registered. This document will be available for download after you have successfully registered with UFS.
Housing and Residence
Make sure that your personal information is correct and that the University shows your current address.
UFS Blackboard
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is an online learning and course management system. A group of friends in the United States developed the system in 1997. Today it is one of the most comprehensive e-learning tools, and it has roughly 100 million users.
UFS Lecturers and professors use the Blackboard to communicate with students. They can use the platform to provide audio files, reading material, videos, and presentations.
What Is Blackboard Used For?
The UFS Blackboard is an essential tool for students. You’ll use this portal to communicate with your lecturers. In most cases, your lecturers will request you to submit assignments on the Blackboard portal. Here are some things that you can expect to find on the UFS Blackboard:
- Assignments
- Study material
- Electronic grades
- PowerPoint presentations
- Registered modules
How Do I Access the UFS Blackboard?
➢ You can access the UFS Blackboard login page here.
➢ Select the Blackboard link.
Log in:
Username: Student number
Password: UFS password
What to Do If My Modules Aren’t Visible on Blackboard?
Once you have logged in, you should see your modules for the specific semester. Also, note that it can take 24hours before your modules show after you have registered with UFS. In case your modules aren’t visible after 24 hours, you can contact the following helplines:
- Attach your proof of registration to the email.
- If you send the email after hours, it will only be answered on the following business day.
➢ Email Address: ehelpdesk@ufs.ac.za
➢ Operating hours: Weekdays: 07:45-21:00
➢ Weekends and holidays: 09:00-18:00
➢ Blackboard help desk: (+27) 51 401 9452
Blackboard App
The Blackboard app is free and available on all mobile devices. The app gives you easy access to your study material and ensures that you stay updated on any changes. The app offers the following functions:
- Smart view of events
- Assessment and progress
- Assignments, tests dates, and exams
How to Access the Blackboard App
Download the app from one of the following mobile applications:
- Once you have downloaded the app, search for the University of The Free State, South Africa.
- Enter your student number and UFS password.
Also Read: University of Free State (UFS) Online Application
Important Links
While you are learning how to use the student self-services, we suggest bookmarking the following links, as you’ll use these quite often:
University of the Free State Official Website
Conclusion
The University of the Free State self-service portal is an excellent tool that can maximize your experience as a student. Although the system might seem overwhelming at first, it is pretty easy to use once you get the hang of it.
