Getting Started for Students

Welcome to Canvas at Baylor University! Whether you’re new to collegetransferring from another schoolor just haven’t used Canvas beforethis guide will walk you through how to access and navigate your coursessubmit assignmentstrack deadlinesand find support when you need it.

Canvas is Baylor's official learning management system (LMS)used in nearly every course across campus. It helps you keep up with assignmentsgradesannouncementsand other important course content in one place.

Canvas is developed and supported by InstructureInc.and it includes tools for communicationcollaborationand assessment. Many instructors use Canvas to share readings and videospost announcementsaccept assignmentsgive quizzesand provide grades and feedback. It also integrates with Baylor-supported tools like Zoom Kalturaand Turnitin.

Getting Started as a Student

This section will help you get logged inset up your profileand locate your courses in Canvas. These are the first steps to make sure you're ready to participate in your classes.

Log in to Canvas
Visit canvas.baylor.edu and log in with your existing Bear ID and password. Your Bear ID is your key to technology resources across the universityincluding Canvas.
You will use the Bear ID Management System to set your password for the first time and to reset your password when necessary. If you have questions or need additional assistance activating your Bear IDplease contact the Baylor ITS Help Desk rather than Canvas Support.
How do I managed my Bear ID?
Set Up Your Profile & Notifications
Click Account > Profile to personalize your accountand Account > Notifications to control how and when Canvas sends you alerts about assignmentsgradesannouncementsand more.
Edit your profile
Set notification preferences
Find Your Courses
Your instructors control when a course becomes visible to students. If a course has been publishedyou’ll see it on your Dashboard. To view all past and current courses—including unpublished ones—click Courses > All Courses.
View all Canvas courses
If a Course is Missing
A common issue reported by students is not seeing one or more courses listed. In most casesthis simply means the instructor has not yet published the course in Canvas. Courses remain hidden until the instructor chooses to publish them. Some instructors may also choose not to use Canvas at all.

In other casesyour instructor may have combined several sections of a class into a single Canvas site. This is especially common with cross-listed or multi-section courses. If the course code looks different than what appears in BearWebcheck the course title and instructor to confirm.

If you believe you should have access to a course that isn’t visiblesend a shortpolite email to your instructor. If the course was meant to be published but wasn’tyour message might serve as a helpful reminder.

Navigating Your Courses

Canvas includes several tools that help you stay organized and interact with your instructors and classmates. This section introduces some of the most common features you’ll use in your courses.

View the Syllabus
The Syllabus tool shows your instructor’s course schedulepoliciesand expectations.
How do I view the Syllabus?
Submit Assignments
Use the Assignments or Modules page in your course to locate and submit work. Always check the file type and submission instructions before uploading your work.
Submit an assignment
Check Grades and Feedback
Click Grades to view scores and comments on submitted assignments. If your instructor uses rubrics or inline commentsthose may appear alongside your submission.
View grades
Take Quizzes and Exams
Many instructors use Canvas to administer quizzes and exams. Be sure to start quizzes early and use a reliable internet connection. Some quizzes may require LockDown Browser or Monitor.
Take a quiz
Download Respondus LockDown Browser
Participate in Discussions
The Discussions tool allows you to share ideas and respond to classmates in online forums. Instructors may require a post before you can see replies.
Reply to a discussion
Use the Mobile App
The Canvas Student app is available for iOS and Android and is a great way to check due datesannouncementsand submit work on the go.
Canvas Student App Overview

Staying on Track

Canvas provides several tools to help you manage your timekeep up with assignmentsand stay connected throughout the semester.

Use the Calendar and To-Do List
The Calendar pulls due dates from all your courses into one view. The To Do list highlights what’s due next on your Dashboard. Not all instructors assign due dates in Canvasso always refer to your course syllabus for the official deadlines.
Use the Calendar
Use the To Do list
Set Notification Preferences
You can customize how Canvas notifies you about announcementsdue datesgradesand more. Go to Account > Notifications to choose your settings.
Set notification preferences
Message Your Instructors
Use the Inbox in Canvas to send and receive messages from your instructors and classmates.
Send a message in Canvas
Stay Aware of Announcements
The Announcements tool is often used by instructors to share remindersupdatesor schedule changes. Be sure to check this regularly.
View announcements

Canvas Overview Video

Additional Resources

These resources can help you learn more about Canvas and answer common questions students have throughout the semester.

Canvas Support at Baylor
Watch a short orientation videobrowse frequently asked questionsand learn where to go when you need help using Canvas.
Canvas Support for Students
Canvas Student Guides
Instructurethe company behind Canvasprovides detailed step-by-step guides for every Canvas tool available to students.
Browse Canvas Student Guides
Mobile App Help
Need help using the Canvas Student app? Instructure offers a dedicated mobile guide to help you access assignmentsgradesand messages from your phone.
Canvas Student Mobile Guides

Getting Support

There are many ways to get help with Canvas. If you have questions about how to do something in Canvas or encounter a technical issue24/7 support is available. You can get support at any time through the Help menu in Canvas or by using the contact methods listed below.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 844-334-0228
Live Chat: Start a Canvas Chat Session