Add a Syllabus to Your Canvas Course

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Quick Links: | Prepare Your Syllabus | Add Your Syllabus in Canvas | Troubleshoot Syllabus Issues |

Prepare Your Syllabus

Creating and sharing your course syllabus in Canvas helps set clear expectations for students.

The Canvas Syllabus tool differs from a regular page. It includes:

  • A summary of due dates at the bottom
  • A shortcut to your Canvas sidebar

Before you begin:

  • Have your syllabus ready as a PDF or Word document, or
  • Store it in a cloud service (such as Google Drive) with a shareable link

You can also link to your syllabus from your course Home page. If you choose this option, hide the Syllabus tool from your navigation menu.

Add Your Syllabus in Canvas

You can add your syllabus in three ways: copying into the template, embedding a file, or linking to an external document.

Copy Content into the Canvas Syllabus Template

  1. Review Canvas guidance: How do I use the Syllabus as an instructor?
  2. Go to the Syllabus section of your Canvas course.
  3. Select Edit.
  4. Replace the placeholder text with your syllabus content.
  5. Remove any content you do not need.
    • TLP recommends keeping the Chico-specific resource sections.
  6. Select Update Syllabus or Save.

Embed a Syllabus Document

  1. Go to the Syllabus tool in your course menu.
  2. Select Edit.
  3. Place your cursor where you want the document.
  4. Select Insert > Document > Upload Document.
  5. Upload your syllabus file.
  6. In Link Options, choose how the document should display.
  7. Remove any placeholder text you do not need.
  8. Select Update Syllabus.

Link to an External Syllabus

  1. Go to the Syllabus section of your Canvas course.
  2. Select Edit.
  3. Highlight the text where you want the link.
  4. Select Insert > Link > External Link.
  5. Paste your syllabus URL.
  6. Configure link options (such as opening in a new tab).
  7. Remove any placeholder text you do not need.
  8. Select Update Syllabus or Save.

Troubleshoot Syllabus Issues

  • Ensure your file does not exceed Canvas upload limits.
  • Confirm external links are shared with “Anyone with the link can view.”
  • Verify the syllabus is published and the course is active.
  • Update links if students report access issues.

 Still need help? Contact the Technology & Learning Program for further assistance.
  
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