Getting Started with Canvas: Student Guide

Overview

Canvas is Cedar Crest College's online learning management system. Students use Canvas to access course materials, complete assignments, participate in discussions, communicate with instructors, and view grades.

Whether you are taking an in-person, hybrid, or online course, this guide will help you get started with Canvas and prepare for online learning.

1. Accessing Canvas

  1. Open a web browser, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
  2. Go to Cedar Crest College Canvas.
  3. Sign in using your Cedar Crest College network credentials.
  4. Once signed in, you will see your Canvas Dashboard.

You can also access Canvas through the College's online resources, including FalconLink.

Having trouble signing in?

  • Confirm that you are using your Cedar Crest College account.
  • Make sure your password is entered correctly.
  • Try opening Canvas in a private or incognito browser window.
  • If the problem continues, submit an IT Support Request.

2. Finding Your Courses

After signing in, Canvas displays your Dashboard, where you can access your current courses.

To find a course:

  1. Select Dashboard from the Global Navigation menu.
  2. Click the course card you want to open.
  3. If the course is not displayed, select Courses > All Courses.
  4. Review your course list and select the appropriate course.

Why don't I see my course?

A course may not appear for several reasons:

  • Your instructor has not published the course.
  • The course has not started.
  • Your registration or enrollment has not yet been reflected in Canvas.
  • The course is not included in your Dashboard favorites.

If you are enrolled but cannot locate your course, contact your instructor first to confirm whether the course has been published.

If your enrollment appears incorrect, contact the Registrar's Office or submit an IT Support Request for technical assistance.

3. Navigating Canvas

Canvas includes several tools to help you manage your coursework.

Canvas Feature Purpose
Dashboard View your courses and recent activity
Courses Access course materials and activities
Modules View organized lessons, readings, and assignments
Assignments Review and submit coursework
Discussions Participate in class conversations
Grades View grades and instructor feedback
Calendar Track assignments, events, and due dates
Inbox Send and receive messages within Canvas
Account Manage your profile, settings, and notifications
Help Access available Canvas support resources

Note: Your instructor determines which features are available within each course. Not every course will display the same navigation options.

4. Completing and Submitting Assignments

Your instructor may require you to submit assignments directly through Canvas.

To submit an assignment:

  1. Open your course.
  2. Select Assignments, or locate the assignment within Modules.
  3. Click the assignment title.
  4. Review the instructions, due date, and submission requirements.
  5. Select Start Assignment or the available submission option.
  6. Upload your file, enter your response, or complete the required activity.
  7. Select Submit Assignment.
  8. Confirm that Canvas displays your submission.

Important: Uploading a file does not necessarily mean the assignment has been submitted. Always confirm that your submission was successful.

Tips for submitting assignments

  • Complete assignments before the deadline.
  • Use the file format requested by your instructor.
  • Save a backup copy of your work.
  • Allow additional time for large uploads.
  • Check your submission status before closing Canvas.

If you experience a technical problem while submitting an assignment, notify your instructor promptly and submit an IT Support Request.

5. Viewing Grades and Instructor Feedback

To view grades:

  1. Open your course.
  2. Select Grades from the Course Navigation menu.
  3. Review your assignment scores and available feedback.
  4. Click an assignment to view additional details or comments.

Grades displayed in Canvas may not represent your official final course grade.

Contact your instructor if you have questions about grading, missing scores, or assignment feedback.

6. Communicating with Your Instructor

Canvas provides several ways to communicate with instructors and classmates.

Canvas Inbox

  1. Select Inbox from the Global Navigation menu.
  2. Click the Compose icon.
  3. Select your course.
  4. Choose your instructor or another permitted recipient.
  5. Enter your message and select Send.

Course Announcements

Your instructor may post important updates using Announcements.

To view announcements:

  1. Open your course.
  2. Select Announcements, if available.
  3. Review recent course updates.

Check Canvas regularly for announcements, assignment changes, and instructor messages.

7. Managing Canvas Notifications

Canvas can notify you about course announcements, assignments, grades, messages, and other activities.

To update your notification preferences:

  1. Sign in to Canvas.
  2. Select Account from the Global Navigation menu.
  3. Select Notifications.
  4. Review the available notification categories.
  5. Choose your preferred notification frequency for each activity.

Depending on the notification type, options may include immediate, daily, weekly, or no notifications.

Recommendation: Keep important notifications enabled so you do not miss announcements, assignment changes, or instructor communications.

8. Computer Skills Needed for Online Learning

Students should be comfortable performing basic computer tasks to participate successfully in Canvas courses.

Basic Computer Skills

You should know how to:

  • Turn on, restart, and use your computer.
  • Connect to a wireless network.
  • Open and navigate a web browser.
  • Create, save, locate, and organize files.
  • Download and upload documents.
  • Copy, paste, and format text.
  • Install approved applications or updates when necessary.

Microsoft 365 and Document Skills

You should be able to:

  • Create and edit documents using Microsoft Word.
  • Open and save PDF files.
  • Create presentations when required.
  • Save and retrieve files using OneDrive.
  • Attach documents to messages or assignments.

Cedar Crest College provides eligible students with access to Microsoft 365 applications through their College accounts.

Online Communication Skills

You should know how to:

  • Send and receive email.
  • Attach files to messages.
  • Participate in online discussions.
  • Join online meetings when required.
  • Use a microphone, speakers, and webcam when needed.

Online Learning Skills

Successful online learners should also be prepared to:

  • Check Canvas and College email regularly.
  • Follow assignment instructions and deadlines.
  • Manage their time independently.
  • Participate in required course activities.
  • Communicate with instructors when assistance is needed.
  • Follow academic integrity and appropriate online communication expectations.

9. Preparing Your Computer for Canvas

Before beginning your course, confirm that your computer is ready for online learning.

Recommended Preparation

  • Use a computer with a currently supported operating system.
  • Install the latest available updates for your operating system and browser.
  • Use a current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
  • Maintain a reliable internet connection.
  • Make sure your computer can open PDFs and common Microsoft Office documents.
  • Test your microphone, speakers, and webcam if your course requires online meetings.
  • Confirm that you can sign in to Canvas and Microsoft 365.

Some courses may require specialized software or additional equipment. Review your course syllabus for specific requirements.

Recommendation: Use a Windows or Mac computer for assignments, exams, and activities requiring document editing or specialized applications. Mobile devices may not support every course activity.

10. Using Canvas on a Mobile Device

Canvas provides a mobile application for students.

The Canvas Student app is available for iOS and Android devices.

To get started:

  1. Download the Canvas Student app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Open the application.
  3. Search for Cedar Crest College or use the school's Canvas URL.
  4. Follow the sign-in instructions.
  5. Review your courses and notification settings.

The mobile app can be useful for checking announcements, grades, assignments, and messages.

Important: For complex assignments, quizzes, exams, or activities requiring special software, use a computer rather than relying exclusively on the mobile app.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access Canvas before my course starts?

You may be able to sign in to Canvas before your course begins. However, individual courses may not be available until your instructor publishes them or the course access date begins.

Do all Cedar Crest College courses use Canvas?

Canvas is the College's primary learning management system. The amount of content and activity available in Canvas varies by course and instructor.

Can I use Canvas on any computer?

Canvas works on most computers with supported operating systems and modern web browsers. Some courses may require additional software or specific hardware.

What if my assignment will not upload?

Check your internet connection, confirm the file format is accepted, and verify that the file meets any assignment restrictions.

If the problem continues, contact your instructor and submit an IT Support Request.

What if I cannot open course materials?

Try refreshing the page, using another supported browser, or downloading the file.

If a particular course resource is unavailable, contact your instructor to verify that it has been published and that you have permission to access it.

Can I change my Canvas password?

Canvas uses your Cedar Crest College network credentials. Password changes and account assistance are handled through the College's account management and IT support processes.

Who should I contact about missing assignments or grades?

Contact your instructor for questions about course content, grading, assignment availability, and deadlines.

12. Additional Canvas Student Guides

Canvas provides official documentation and tutorials to help students learn its features.

Official Canvas Resources

These resources provide detailed instructions for using Canvas features, including assignments, discussions, quizzes, grades, and communication tools.

13. Getting Help with Canvas

The appropriate support resource depends on the issue you are experiencing.

Type of Issue Where to Get Help
Canvas login or password problems Cedar Crest College IT Support
Missing course enrollment or technical access issues Cedar Crest College IT Support
Assignment submission errors IT Support and your instructor
Course materials, assignments, or deadlines Your instructor
Grades or instructor feedback Your instructor
General questions about Canvas features Canvas Student Guide or Canvas Help

Contact IT Support

If you need technical assistance with Canvas, submit an IT Support Request.

When submitting your request, include:

  • The name of the course affected.
  • A description of the problem.
  • Any error messages you received.
  • A screenshot, if available.

Do not include your password in a support request.

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