MGT 3003
Business Communication
& Professional Development
OWL Mission Statement
“To provide UTSA business
students resources and
instruction to develop and
improve their business written
communication skills.”
What is the OWL?
Online Writing Lab on
Blackboard
Online Instruction & Testing
Pre-Test, Study Module, and
Post-Test
How do I access the OWL?
1. Login to Blackboard
2. Under Course List for the current
semester you will find your MGT
3003 course and your MGT 3003
OWL course
Why the OWL Assignment?
Executive Daily Communication
- 90%
 Reading, Writing, Speaking, &
Listening
Communication skills are the
#1 requirement for leadership
success.
OWL Modules
• Four
Core Study Modules
Mechanics Module
Composition Module
Writing Style Module
Critical Think Module
OWL Modules
Six Supplemental Modules
Report Module
Presentation Module
Résumé Module
Cover Letter Module
Email Module
Citation Module
Three Step Core Module
Success
1. Initial Assessment
2. Study Module
3. Post Assessment
Two Step Supplemental
Module Success
1.
2.
Study Module
Post Assessment
Time Dedication
(Core Modules)
Each Initial Assessments
Time limited - 25 minutes maximum
Each Module
Time unlimited – About 1½ hours of
study
Each Post Assessment
Time limited - 25 minutes maximum
About the Assessments…
Initial and Post Assessments can
be taken only once
You may return to the study
modules as often as you like
THE FOUR CORE
MODULES
OWL Modules
• Four
Core Study Modules
Mechanics Module
Composition Module
Writing Style Module
Critical Think Module
Core Initial Assessment
Everyone Takes the Initial
Assessment
 Evaluate Initial Skill Levels, NOT Counted
Toward Final Grade
 Each Core Module has initial assessment
o Composition
o Mechanics
o Writing
Style
o Critical
Thinking
Core Study Modules
Read Corresponding Core
Module
 Composition
 Mechanics
 Writing Style
 Critical Thinking
Core Post
Assessment
Done after completion of
studying each Module
 Evaluates Skill Levels
Once I access the OWL…
1. Login to Blackboard
2. Under Course List for the current
semester you will find your MGT
3003 course and your MGT 3003
OWL course
Warning: You cannot stop the
clock by exiting the quiz and
returning later!
THE SIX
SUPPLEMENTAL
MODULES
OWL Modules
Six Supplemental Modules
Report Module
Presentation Module
Résumé Module
Cover Letter Module
Email Module
Citation Module
THERE ARE NO INITIAL
ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
SUPPLEMENTAL MODULES!!!!
Supplemental Post
Assessments
Everyone Takes the Post
Assessment
 Once the Study Module is
Completed
 Evaluate Skill Levels
 Complete Six Separate Graded
Quizzes
Success Tips
Use Explorer or Firefox Browser
 Plan Ahead – Deadlines lurk
 Follow Syllabus for deadlines
 Read all Instructions
 Don’t Stop Once Assessment is
Started
 Use Table of Contents,
Breadcrumbs, Course Menu drop
down menu, & Icons
 Contact OWL for Assistance

Success Tips 2.0
Something ALWAYS goes wrong, so
take tests early.
 “My computer crashed,” “I had a
power outage,” “I had a
connection problem,” BLAH, BLAH,
BLAH, BLAH.
 These are quibbles—they are not
legitimate reason for failing to
complete OWL assignments on
time.

Summary
Initial Assessment
Core Study Modules
Supplemental Modules
Consult your syllabus to see
exact deadlines
Contact Information
OWL TA: Vincent Rizzo
Contact: Through OWL Blackboard site
Office Hours:
1604 (Main), BB 03.02.14 (back right)
By appointment or W, Th 4:305:15p.m.
Tues 5:00-5:45 p.m.