UT San Antonio Academic Innovation

Getting Started with Canvas (Student)

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Overview

Canvas is The University of Texas at San Antonio's official Learning Management System (LMS). It is your central digital hub for all registered courses, holding essential materials, assignments, grades, and communication tools. By utilizing Canvas, students can effectively manage their coursework, stay organized, and communicate with instructors, directly contributing to academic success. This guide provides an overview of how to access Canvas at UT San Antonio, lists the key tools you'll use, and shares links to the best student resources for mastering the platform. 

Accessing Canvas at UTSA 

Canvas uses your standard UTSA credentials and can be accessed through the university's main portal. 

Canvas Basics 

Once inside Canvas, you will use a variety of features to manage your learning experience. Here are some of the most essential: 

  • Dashboard: Your landing page that provides a quick, organized view of all your current courses and recent activities.
  • Courses: Access all materials, announcements, and content specific to a particular course.
  • Modules: The primary way instructors organize course content, guiding you through lessons, readings, and activities sequentially.
  • Assignments & Quizzes: Submit papers, complete activities, and take assessments directly within the platform.
  • Grades: Check your current scores, view assignment feedback, and track your progress in the course.
  • Inbox: A simple internal messaging system to communicate directly with your instructors and classmates.
  • Calendar: Displays all due dates, appointments, and scheduled course events from all your active courses in one place.

Support

For support, use the Help menu in Canvas to access the Live chat, email [email protected] or call 210-458-4520.

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