Changing Course Titles in eLC UGA: What You Need to Know

The eLearning Commons (eLC) at the University of Georgia (UGA) is a powerful learning management system (LMS) that facilitates online learning. Whether you are a professor managing your courses or an administrator setting up a new semester, you might wonder:

Can I change a course title in eLC at UGA?

The answer depends on several factors, including whether the course is linked to Athena, UGA’s student information system (SIS). In this guide, we’ll explore the process of changing a course title in eLC, when it’s possible, and what alternatives exist if the title cannot be modified.

Understanding eLC and Course Titles

How do I access UGA eLC?

To access UGA:

1. Visit the official UGA website.
2. Click on the Login button.
3. Enter your UGA MyID and password.
4. Navigate to your courses from the dashboard.

Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and use a compatible browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for the best experience.

eLC, short for eLearning Commons, is UGA’s official learning management system (LMS). It provides students and faculty with tools to access course materials, submit assignments, take quizzes, and communicate within a structured digital environment.

Why Would You Want to Change a Course Title?

There are several reasons why an instructor or administrator might want to modify a course title in eLC:

• To make the course more descriptive or engaging

• To correct an error in the title

• To distinguish between different sections of the same course

• To add a semester identifier (e.g., “Spring 2025”)

However, the ability to edit a course title depends on whether the course is Athena-based or non-Athena-based.

Can You Change a Course Title in eLC at UGA?

Athena-Based Courses (Auto-Synced with UGA’s Student Information System)

If your course is linked to Athena, UGA’s student information system (SIS), its title is automatically imported into eLC. You cannot manually change these course titles in eLC. Any modifications must be made directly in Athena by the university administration or the registrar’s office.

Non-Athena Courses (Manually Created in eLC)

If the course is not connected to Athena (such as a sandbox course, faculty training course, or a non-credit course), instructors have more flexibility and can manually edit the course title within eLC.

How to Change a Course Title in eLC at UGA (For Non-Athena Courses)

If your course is not synced with Athena, you can change its title by following these steps:

Step 1: Log into eLC

1. Visit eLC UGA and log in using your UGA MyID credentials.

2. Navigate to the specific course you want to modify.

Step 2: Access Course Administration

1. Inside the course, find the navigation bar at the top.

2. Click on “Course Admin” to open the course settings menu.

Step 3: Open Course Offering Information

1. Scroll through the list of options and select “Course Offering Information.”

2. This section contains various course details, including the course name, start date, and end date.

Step 4: Edit the Course Title

1. Locate the “Course Offering Name” field.

2. Delete the existing title and enter your preferred course name.

3. Ensure the title is clear, concise, and accurate to avoid confusion.

Step 5: Save Changes

1. Scroll down and click “Save” to app the new title.

2. Refresh the page to confirm the update.

Your new course title should now appear across eLC for both instructors and students.

What If You Can’t Change the Course Title?

If your course is Athena-linked, you won’t be able to change its title within eLC. However, you can consider the following alternatives:

1. Request a Title Change via Athena

• Contact your department’s academic affairs office to request a course title update in Athena.

• If approved, the new title will sync with eLC after the next Athena system update.

2. Use Course Nicknames in eLC

Although the official course title cannot be changed, instructors can:

• Add a nickname or section name in the course description.

• Communicate the preferred course title to students via announcements or syllabus updates.

3. Create a Custom Course Banner

• eLC allows instructors to upload a course banner at the top of the homepage.

• You can include the desired course title on the banner for clarity.

Best Practices for Naming Courses in eLC

If you have the ability to edit a course title, follow these best practices to ensure clarity and consistency in eLearning Commons (eLC) at the University of Georgia (UGA).

Keep It Concise

Long titles can be difficult to read, especially on smaller screens. Aim for under 50 characters to keep titles clear and readable.

Good Example: “ENG 1101 – Academic Writing (Spring 2025)”
Bad Example: “Introduction to Academic Writing for Freshman Students in Spring Semester 2025”

Use Standard Naming Conventions

If your department follows a specific format for course names, make sure to align with it. Common formats include:

[Course Code] – [Course Name] ([Semester])
Example: “HIST 2111 – U.S. History to 1865 (Fall 2025)”

[Course Name]: [Instructor’s Last Name] ([Year])
Example: “Organic Chemistry: Dr. Smith (2025)”

Avoid Special Characters

Some systems may not display special characters properly, leading to formatting issues. Stick to:

• Letters (A-Z, a-z)

• Numbers (0-9)

• Standard punctuation (hyphens, colons, parentheses)

Avoid: Symbols like @, #, $, &, *, % in course titles.

By following these best practices, you ensure that course titles in eLC at UGA remain organized, easy to read, and accessible for students and faculty.

Some systems may not display special characters properly. Stick to letters, numbers, and standard punctuation.

Conclusion

Changing a course title in eLearning Commons (eLC) at the University of Georgia (UGA) is a straightforward process—if the course is not linked to Athena. For non-Athena courses, instructors can easily update the course title through the Course Admin settings in eLC. However, for Athena-linked courses, the title is automatically imported from UGA’s student information system (SIS), meaning modifications must be requested through the registrar’s office or academic department.

If you are unable to change the course title directly, you can still clarify the course name by using course descriptions, announcements, nicknames, and custom course banners. These methods help ensure students can easily identify the course, even if the official title remains unchanged.

For any technical issues or assistance, UGA’s Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS) and eLC support team are available to help. Keeping course titles accurate and clear enhances the overall learning experience for both instructors and students.

FAQs

Can students change a course title in eLC?
No, only instructors and administrators have permission to modify course titles, and only for non-Athena courses.

Why can’t I change my course title in eLC?
If your course is linked to Athena (UGA’s student information system – SIS), the title is automatically imported and cannot be changed in eLC. Any updates must be made in Athena by the university administration or the registrar’s office.

How can I request a course title change for an Athena-linked course?
You will need to contact your department administrator or the registrar’s office to request a course title change in Athena. Once updated, the new title will sync with eLC.

How long does it take for a course title change to reflect in eLC?
For non-Athena courses, changes take effect immediately after saving. For Athena-linked courses, changes depend on Athena’s synchronization schedule, which may take several hours to a day.

What should I do if I accidentally enter the wrong course title?
If your course allows manual edits, simply follow the steps in eLC to correct it. If it’s Athena-linked, contact your department administrator for assistance.

Can I use abbreviations in course titles?
Yes, as long as the abbreviations are clear and recognizable to students and faculty.

Will students be notified if a course title changes?
No automatic notifications are sent. It’s a good idea to post an announcement in eLC informing students of any updates.

Who can I contact for help with course title changes in eLC?
For technical issues, contact UGA’s Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS) at 706-542-3106 or visit eits.uga.edu. For Athena-related title changes, reach out to your department administrator or the registrar’s office.