Canvas Student FAQs

Getting Started with Canvas as a Student

  • How do I log into Canvas?
    • Log in to the Online Services Portal and click on Canvas.
  • How do I access my course in Canvas?
    • Once you login you will be directed to the Canvas Dashboard
    • Select your course by clicking on the course title
    • This will navigate you to the course home page and content
  • How do I learn more about navigating Canvas?
    • Begin by watching this 6-minute Canvas Overview Video for students
    • Video Guides are available for any topic you would like to view
    • Written Guides are available for any topic you would like to view and provide step-by-step instructions with screenshots
  • Who do I contact with questions about Canvas?
    • For login challenges, contact IT Help Desk (Schulz 1001, 707-664-4357, helpdesk@sonoma.edu)
    • 24/7 Canvas Student Support 833-263-0709
    • Within Canvas, click on the Help icon and select a support option: chat, phone, guides, or report a problem 
  • Will I see all of my courses in Canvas?
    • Yes, SSU has moved to a new Learning Management System, Canvas. You can login to Online Services to get to the Canvas system. If you don't see your course in one, go back to Online Services and check the other. 

Other Frequently Asked Questions from Students

  • What is Canvas?

    • Canvas is a cloud-based Learning Management System that Sonoma State University has selected as the next-generation LMS for its students and faculty to make teaching and learning easier. It is software that faculty use for delivering and managing online learning, students already at Sonoma State use a similar LMS called Moodle.

  • How do I access Canvas?
  • How do I get help with Canvas?
    • Login and basic support at SSU IT Help Desk (Schulz 1000, 707-664-4357, helpdesk@sonoma.edu)
    • 24-hour Canvas Student Hotline for advanced support, call 1-833-263-0709
    • Within Canvas, click on the Help icon and select a support option: Chat, Phone, Search Guides, or Report a Problem
       
  • How come my class is not listed in Canvas?
    • If your course is not yet listed, your instructor may not have published your Canvas course yet. You can login to Online Services to login to Canvas.
    • If the course remains unlisted after having confirmed with the instructor that the course section is published in Canvas, please contact the IT HelpDesk for further support (Schulz 1000, 707-664-4357, helpdesk@sonoma.edu).
       
  • Why can't I log in to Canvas?
    • If you are unable to log in, please contact the IT HelpDesk (Schulz 1001, 707-664-4357, helpdesk@sonoma.edu).
    • Canvas is best used in either Chrome or Firefox, it is not recommended to be used on Safari or other internet browsers.
    • Upon your initial log into Canvas make certain to accept the "Terms of Use Agreement".
       
  • If I added a course today on the "MySSU" portal when is the earliest that I will have course access?
    • Canvas courses and student information are updated nightly from the SIS (PeopleSoft/MySSU). Updates in Canvas appear the morning following a change in SIS. 
    • If your course is not listed, your instructor may not have published your Canvas course yet, please contact your instructor for clarification.
    • If the course remains unlisted after having confirmed with the instructor that the course section is published in Canvas, please contact the IT HelpDesk for further support (Schulz 1000, 707-664-4357, helpdesk@sonoma.edu).
       
  • What should I expect when I log in?
    • After logging into Canvas for the first time, students will be prompted to accept a Canvas "Terms of Use Agreement". Afterward, users will land on their "Dashboard." The Dashboard will display a list of your courses. 
       
  • How do I contact my Canvas instructor?
  • Will Canvas work with my browser and computer?
  • Does Canvas work on my phone?
    • You can access Canvas using your mobile phone's web browser, but there are Canvas applications for Android and iOS primarily designed for students. Please review the Mobile Documentation Page for information about available Canvas mobile apps.
       
  • Where Can I Get Some Quick Tips On How to Start Using Canvas?
  • Are there online tutorials for learning Canvas?
  • How do I access my course materials?
    • Login to Online Services and click on the Canvas link. Once logged in, you will be automatically directed to your Canvas "Dashboard," where you will see your course(s). Click on the course title then use the course navigation to access the Home page, Syllabus, and Modules links to review the course materials and activities.
       
  • How do I view Assignments as a student?
  • How do I submit an Online Assignment?
  • How do I submit a Turnitin assignment?
    • Click on the assignment title from the Modules page or click on Turnitin assignment from the Assignments page from a Canvas course. Click on the Submit Assignment button, then choose a file to upload or add text if a textbox is provided. Make certain to submit your work.
       
  • How do I view Turnitin results for my assignment?
    • Click on the assignment title or link. Click on the Submission Details link, then review the grade and feedback. To view the Originality Report click on the percentage tag (Similarity Score). If prompted, accept the "Terms of Use Agreement" from Turnitin.
    • To view your current grades, select your course, then select the Grades tab from the Course Menu. View the grade listed for the Turnitin assignment, and click on Originality Report tag to view the Similarity Score.
       
  • How do I view my grades in the "Dashboard" as a student?
  • How do I know when my instructor has graded an assignment?
    • You may also set up notifications to know when your instructor grades an assignment
    • Review "How do I know when my instructor has graded my assignment?" post on the Canvas Community forum 
    • The Grades page shows the details of your graded assignments
    • When a change is made to your course grades, the Grades link in Course Navigation adds an indicator representing the number of changes in a course since your last visit
       
  • Where can I view my final grade?
    • Final grades for students at Sonoma State University will be submitted to the SSU Registrar's Office, viewable through your "MySSU" portal.
       
  • How long will I have access to my Canvas course?
    • You will maintain course access at least until the term concludes. 
       
  • Why did Sonoma State University select Canvas?
    • After an extensive review process, the Academic Senate voted to approve the Academic Planning, Assessment, & Resources Committee (APARC) and Academic Technology & Instructional Spaces Subcommittee (ATISS) recommendation that Sonoma State University adopt Canvas as our Learning Management System (LMS). Provost Vollendorf has approved that recommendation and campus will now begin implementing Canvas as our new LMS.
       
  • What if I still have more questions not addressed here?
    • For login issues and basic IT support contact the SSU IT Help Desk (Schulz 1000, 707-664-4357, helpdesk@sonoma.edu)
    • Canvas Assistance
      • Call the Canvas 24-hour Student Hotline 833-263-0709
      • Within Canvas, click on the Help icon and select a support option: chat, phone, search guides, or report a problem
    • For questions about deadlines and assignment requirements contact your instructor