Canvas Start-of-Semester Tasks

canvas start-of-semester cross-list

Use this checklist to complete common Canvas tasks before the semester begins. Select each linked task for detailed instructions. For a thorough Canvas introduction, enroll in the Getting Started with Canvas for Faculty course.

Confirm Course Access

Confirm your courses appear in Canvas. Check Courses → All Courses and verify that the correct upcoming-term sections are available. If a course is missing, review Canvas course-load dates to learn when course shells are created, verify your teaching assignment in Faculty Center, and contact your department's scheduler if necessary.
Organize your Canvas Dashboard. Select the star to favorite the courses you want displayed and hide courses you no longer need there. The Dashboard can display up to 20 course cards at one time.

Build Your Course

Complete these tasks in order when they apply.

Cross-list multiple sections. Combine sections before copying content, publishing the course, or collecting student work.
Copy a previous Canvas course. Reuse selected content from an earlier course and update dates for the new semester. The linked article includes TLP's recommendations.
Import the Chico State course template. Use the template option on the course Home page when you are not copying a previous course.
Edit the course Home page. Confirm that the Home page has the correct information and directs students to the appropriate starting point. For more information on Canvas Home page options, see Instructure's How do I change the Course Home Page?
Add your syllabus. Upload or link the current syllabus using the Syllabus tool.
Communicate your expectations for generative AI. Add appropriate guidance to the syllabus and relevant assignments. The link provides sample syllabus language as a starting point.

Prepare for Students

Review copied course content. Confirm that dates, links, instructions, files, external tools, and references to previous terms are current. Course copies can preserve outdated dates, broken links, and references to the previous term.
- Run Link Validator to identify potentially broken links throughout the course.
- Use TidyUP to efficiently identify, review, and remove unused content.
Run the Ally Course Report. Identify and address priority accessibility issues.
Apply student accommodations. Use Accommodate HQ after receiving accommodation notifications, and review settings again when adding new assessments.
Review the course in Student View. Confirm that students can find and access the syllabus, first module, assignments, and required resources.
Publish the course. Confirm that the course and all materials students need at the beginning of the semester are published.

Optional Tasks

Depending on your course, you may also need to:

Get Support

Faculty can get Canvas support in a variety of ways:

Drop in to the TLP Zoom Support Room.
Request a course design consultation.
Use the Start Search Here feature within Canvas Help.
Call or Chat with Canvas Support 24/7.
Search the Canvas Community.
Reach out to your colleagues using Canvas.

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