Canvas Launchpad guides give you a quick overview of an important feature, then recommend a Quick Launch activity to help you get started. Each activity should take about 5–10 minutes.
Tool Summary #
Canvas is UMW’s learning management system. Your instructors may use it to share course materials, post announcements, collect assignments, run quizzes, host discussions, and provide grades and feedback. Access Canvas at canvas.umw.edu.
Quick Facts #
- Cost: Free for UMW students
- Platforms: Web browser and Canvas Student mobile app
- Recommended for: Every UMW student
- Where to access it: canvas.umw.edu
Things to Know #
Canvas can look different from course to course because instructors choose which tools and materials to use. Check Canvas regularly, especially during the first weeks of a semester. Your Dashboard, Calendar, and notifications can help you keep track of what is happening across your courses.
1. Notifications #
Canvas notifications let you choose how and when Canvas contacts you about course activity. You can adjust notification preferences for announcements, due dates, grades, submission comments, discussions, and other updates.
Use notifications as a backup, not as your only way to track assignments! Your instructor may communicate important information in a course location that does not generate the notification you expect.
Handy Guide #
Canvas Community: Manage your Canvas notification settings
Quick Launch #
- Open Canvas and select Account from the navigation menu.
- Select Notifications.
- Review the notification icons for each activity type.
- Choose a delivery timing for announcements and assignment changes—such as right away, daily, or weekly.
- Confirm that at least one email address or push-notification method is available.
- Ask yourself: Which notifications do you want immediately, and which can wait for a daily summary?
2. Dashboard Customization #
Your Dashboard is the Canvas home page where you see course cards and recent course activity. You can customize which courses appear so that your current classes are easy to find.
A useful Dashboard usually includes your current courses and removes visual clutter from old, unpublished, or less frequently used courses. Customizing the Dashboard does not drop you from a course; it only changes what is displayed in your course list.
Handy Guide #
How do I customize my Canvas Dashboard as a student?
Quick Launch #
- Go to Dashboard.
- The default layout is Card View. Drag your course cards in an order that makes sense to you. Note the “To Do” list showing assignments and due dates on the side.
- Using the three dots in the top right corner of the dashboard, change to List View. Note how your assignments for all courses now appear in chronological order.
- Decide which view you prefer.
3. Canvas App #
The Canvas Student app gives you mobile access to many common Canvas tasks, including checking course announcements, viewing assignments, reviewing grades, using the Calendar, and receiving push notifications.
The app is useful for quick checks when you are away from your computer. For longer assignments, detailed feedback, file uploads, or tools that your instructor has added to a course, use a computer and a supported web browser.
Handy Guide #
Quick Launch #
- Download Canvas Student from your device’s app store.
- Open the app and search for University of Mary Washington.
- Sign in with your UMW account.
- Allow notifications if you want assignment and course updates on your phone.
- Open one course and locate its Assignments, Announcements, and Grades areas.
- Open the Calendar in the app and confirm that your current courses are visible.
4. Calendar #
Canvas Calendar brings together due dates, events, and course schedules in one place. Use it to see what is due across all your courses instead of checking each course separately.
You can select or hide individual course calendars using the calendar list. You can also add personal reminders or events for study sessions, appointments, and other commitments.
Handy Guide #
Quick Launch #
- Select Calendar from the navigation menu.
- Look at the week view and identify your next assignment or event.
- Use the course list to show only the courses you want to focus on.
- Add a personal event called Canvas check-in for a time when you will review announcements and upcoming work.
- Add another personal event for a study block before a major due date.
- Switch back to the full calendar view to see how your coursework fits with the rest of your week.
5. Account Settings #
Your Account area contains settings that affect your Canvas experience. Two settings worth checking early are your display name and pronouns.
Handy Guide #
How do I Edit my Profile in Canvas?
Quick Launch #
- Select Account and open Settings or Profile.
- Review the name Canvas displays for you.
- Using the three dots, select Edit Profile
- If necessary, update your display name.
- Locate the Pronouns option and choose the pronouns you want Canvas to display.
- Add a profile picture and name pronunciation if desired.
- Save your changes.
6. Where to Get Help #
UMW provides 24/7/365 Canvas support for students through phone, email, and live chat. Canvas Guides are also available through the Help menu.
For help learning how to use Canvas or organizing your digital coursework, you can also book an appointment with the Digital Knowledge Center. For account, login, or campus technology problems, contact the UMW IT Help Desk.
Handy Guide #
How to Reach 24/7 Canvas Support
Quick Launch #
- Select the Help question mark in Canvas.
- Look at the available support options, including Canvas Guides and contacting support.
- Bookmark the DKC appointment page in your browser.
- Remember: Asking for help early is part of being a successful college student!
First-Week Canvas Checklist #
- Sign in at canvas.umw.edu
- Review notification preferences
- Download and sign in to the Canvas Student app
- Check the Calendar for upcoming due dates
- Review your display name and pronouns
- Find the Help option in Canvas
- Bookmark UMW Canvas support and the DKC