Canvas for Students
FAQ and support for Canvas, SDSU's learning management system.
Answer
Canvas login page
If you Google SDSU Canvas you will receive the wrong login page. The correct login page for the SDSU instance of Canvas is https://canvas.sdsu.edu/
Canvas Transition
SDSU has transitioned from Blackboard to Canvas. As of May 24, 2021 all courses are in Canvas. For more information please visit the Canvas LMS webpage.
When will I have access to Canvas?
You should be able to access Canvas within four hours of receiving your SDSUid or @sdsu.edu email address.
How do I log in and get support?
Canvas requires an SDSUid for log in. The login page is https://canvas.sdsu.edu/. Once you are in Canvas please make use of their 24/7 support by clicking the help icon at the bottom of the left navigation menu. It looks like a question mark.
When will my courses appear in Canvas?
A week before the current semester starts you will begin to see your new courses listed in Canvas. It can take a least 4 hours or more from the time you register for a course for it to appear in Canvas.
Why can't I see a course?
You will not see your courses in Canvas until it is at least a week before the new semester begins and your instructor has published them. To see if a course is published try these steps: from Canvas --> Click on “Courses” --> Click on “All Courses” --> Look for the course and see if it is published. It will say “No” if it has not been published (made available to you). Instructors decide when to publish their courses and sometimes they wait until closer to the first day of class. If you have questions about when your course will be published, please ask the instructor.
Please see the Find Your Course video tutorial for instructions on how to see all courses listed in Canvas.
Why can't I see a module, or open a module?
Just like courses, you will not see or be able to access modules in Canvas until your instructor allows it. If you are having trouble accessing a module please speak with your instructor.
How do I submit an assignment?
Canvas has a Submitting a Canvas assignment article that will help you troubleshoot how to submit an assignment. Please be aware there is a 500mb file size upload limit for assignments. If you are submitting to Turnitin, they have excellent resources to help you. Here is the Submit an assignment article for Turnitin.
Why can’t I see my assignment?
Canvas Assignments normally have a submission time frame in which the assignment will be visible. It is possible it is outside of the submission time frame or your instructor may not have made it visible yet.
How long will I have access to Canvas after I graduate or stop attending SDSU?
You will have access to Canvas as long as you have access to your SDSUid. Students who are graduating, your SDSUid, O365 account, Google Workspace account including Gmail, and all associated data will be deleted one year from graduation. For all others (including credential/certificate programs) 90 days after the final day of the last enrolled semester.
What default email address does Canvas use?
Your SDSUid or @sdsu.edu email address is the default email listed in Canvas. You can adjust your notifications and add additional communication channels via the settings in your Canvas Profile including setting up text notifications.
Will Canvas work on my mobile device?
The Canvas Student app is the mobile version of Canvas that helps students stay current with their courses anywhere. Please view the Canvas Mobile Guide for directions on how to download the Canvas Student app on Android and iOS devices.
How do I change my display name in Canvas?
To change your display name in Canvas, legal or preferred, you must follow the Name & Gender Change Procedures provided by the Office of the Registrar. Once your display name is changed in WebPortal, it will sync with Canvas.
How do I reset a test?
Only instructors can reset tests or quizzes. Please contact your instructor for assistance immediately if you have issues during a test. You should also do the following:
- Take a picture of any error messages.
- Try logging back into the test immediately. You may be able to get back in and pick up where you left off.
- Resetting a test or quiz means you might have to start from the beginning.