Start of Quarter Canvas Checklist

Teaching next quarter? Use this checklist to make sure that your Canvas course(s) are ready to go! (If you have never used Canvas before, you may want to schedule an appointment to learn more about the platform and how to best set up your course.)

Data from the registrar is added into Canvas, so your course will be automatically created before the quarter starts. You, your TA's, and your students will be auto-enrolled into the course, but the course will not be accessible to students until it is published (step 11).

1 - Add your course content (files, assignments, & events) or copy content from an existing Canvas course.

2 - Organize your content - choose how students will navigate the course. You might organize your files, create pages, and/or group course materials into modules.

3 - Check your due dates, grading scheme, and weighting scale.

4 - Mute your assignments for more control over when grades are released to students. Muting assignments allows you to add grades at your own pace, and release scores all at once by "unmuting" the assignment. If you choose not to mute an assignment, grades and comments will be released one-by-one as you add them.

5 - Update your course syllabus.

6 - Choose your course home page.

7 - Customize your course navigation pane.

8 - Check your notification settings to customize how Canvas updates you on course activity. You can choose what information is important to you and how often you want to be notified. Consider which Canvas features you will use often and make your students aware so they can update their notification settings as well.

9 - Add a welcome announcement. You may want to add a welcome announcement to introduce yourself and welcome your students to the course. Consider adding an image or video to make the announcement more personal.

10 - Enter student view to make sure your course looks the way you want.

11 - Publish your course to give your students access!

#canvas