Merged Courses Handout for Students

Introduction:

Sometimes when you log in to Brightspace, you may notice that the course number or section you see on your dashboard is different from the one you originally enrolled in. This is because of something called a course merge. A course merge allows instructors to combine multiple sections of the same class into a single Brightspace shell so that everyone has access to the same content and activities.

Why Do Course Merges Happen?

1. • Consistency – All students across multiple sections see the same content, announcements, and activities.
2. • Efficiency – Instructors only need to manage one course shell instead of several.
3. • Collaboration – Group discussions or activities can include students from different sections.

What You Might Notice As A Student:

• • You may see a different section number than the one you registered for in myUTRGV.

• • Example: You registered for BIOL-1406-C-Fall 2025, but Brightspace shows BIOL-1406-A-Fall 2025.

• 

• • Your assignments, grades, and content are still tracked correctly for your section, even though you share the course shell with students from other sections.

  • BIOL-1406-A-Fall 2025 → Parent Course (content feeder; you are not enrolled here)

  • BIOL-1406-C-Fall 2025 → Child Course (content viewer; you are officially enrolled here)

• • Your instructor can still filter by section when reviewing grades, attendance, or submissions. Your records remain tied to your original enrollment.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• • Not seeing your course? Double-check if the course has been merged into another shell. Look for a slightly different section code.
• • Still confused about your enrollment? Check your official course registration in myUTRGV.

Additional Resources:

• • For Brightspace Account or General Support: ASK COLTT
• • For MFA, myUTRGV, or Device Troubles: UTRGV Information Technology
• • For Registration: U-Central / Registrar

FAQ Section:

• •Q: Why is my course section number different in Brightspace?
  • A: Because your instructor merged multiple sections into one Brightspace course shell. Your official section is still recorded in myUTRGV.
• • Q: Will this affect my grades or attendance?
  • A: No. Even in a merged course, your work is tracked under your correct section.
• • Q: Can I tell which section I am in?
  • A: Yes. Check your official enrollment in myUTRGV.
• • Q: Do I need to do anything differently?
  • A: No. Just continue using the merged course in Brightspace. Your instructor will provide any section-specific instructions if needed.