Student Technology Requirements

When you are planning to enroll in distance education courses, it is important to consider the technology needed to have a smooth and successful experience. We recommend that you meet the technical requirements listed below when using the learning management system (LMS).

Note: For additional required hardware or software requirements for your course(s), contact your instructor or refer to the course syllabus for additional information on their requirements

We expect our students to be familiar with the use of computers, Internet, and e-mail. You should be able to follow basic instructions to configure the program and course work. In order to enroll in UPAS online program, you are expected to have the following minimum requirements fulfilled:

Basic Technical knowledge and skills:

  • Getting online
  • Downloading, saving, opening, and printing material found online
  • Conducting Internet searches
  • Composing e-mail/course messages and attaching documents. (Blackboard Student Help Link: Course Messages)
  • Writing and editing with a word processor, such as Notepad, MS Word, etc.
  • Take online examinations.
  • Learning new computer skills.

Hardware Requirements:

  • Desktop/Laptop with i3 Intel processor or equivalent (less than 4 years old)
  • Color monitor with 1024 x 768 resolution
  • Minimum 200 GB free Hard Disk Space
  • Minimum 4 GB RAM
  • High-speed broadband (25 Mb/s or higher) connection
  • Audio speakers/headphone and microphone for listening to audio or videos presented in courses
  • Webcam with microphone for interacting in course activities that require video feedback from students (such as Voice Thread).

Software:

  • Windows 10 or later, Mac OS 10.13 or higher
  • Chrome latest version 
  • Microsoft Office 2015 (includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint) or higher version
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader latest version 

Email:

  • Have a personal email account.