Dual Enrollment

How to use Canvas

Getting Started with Canvas

What is Canvas? Imagine Canvas as your as your virtual classroom for in-person and online classes. It's a website where your teacher organizes everything for your class, like assignments, quizzes, and resources.

When you log into Canvas, you'll see different sections for your classes. Each section will have things like announcements from your teacher, a list of assignments you need to do, and maybe even discussion boards where you can talk to your classmates. You'll use Canvas to check what homework you have, turn in assignments, and see your grades. It's important to get familiar with Canvas at the beginning of the class so you can find everything you need easily.

You can watch videos on Canvas to learn more about how it works and all its features. This will help you feel more confident and be ready for your classes!

IMPORTANT: If you do not see your class listed in Canvas

Make sure you are registered for a class. Planning a class or being on a waitlist is not the same as being registered.
Most instructors will not open their Canvas until right before the semester starts or the first day of classes.
There may be up to a 12-hour delay, from the time that you register in WebAdvisor or Self-Service to the time when you are added to the class in Canvas. If more than four hours have passed since you registered, and you are still not added to the class in Canvas, then contact the Computer Technology Center (CTC) for support.
If you still do not see the class email the instructor right away.

How to Log in To Canvas

Canvas can be found at the top of the Cabrillo homepage www.cabrillo.edu

To log into Canvas use your seven-digit college ID number as the username. Be sure to include all of the leading zeros on your college ID number when you log in.

If this is your first time logging in to Canvas you will need to use the forgot password option to set your passsword.

The password for Canvas is managed with Okta. If you are having trouble with your password or logging in, please reach out to the CTC Department. Via email at ctc@cabrillo.edu.

Only students who are registered for classes in the current semester will have access to Canvas. Students can register for classes in Colleague Self-Service.

Watch the How to Use Canvas video

START with the Canvas Overview

Canvas Overview

Canvas is an important part of many Cabrillo classes Canvas is similar to a Google Classroom. Instructors use Canvas for information about the class, assignments, class discussion groups, quizzes, exams, communication with their students, and more. If your class is online this is where your Zoom link and entire class information will be. Students should take the time to learn how to use Canvas before their classes start.

Submitting Assignments

In this video, you will learn about the different ways you can submit assignments in Canvas. Each instructor may require you to submit assignments differently so it's important to pay attention to each class's assignment instructions.

Taking a quiz in Canvas

In this video, you will learn how to access and take quizzes, and view your quiz results.

Checking your grades in Canvas

This video will show you how to check your grades in Canvas.

Pro Tip! It may take a while for instructors to update your grade in Canvas. If you have a question about your grades contact your instructor.

Canvas App

Canvas also has an app that students can download! This video is for Canvas Student app users on iOS and Android devices. The steps in this video are shown for a phone display, but unless otherwise noted, tablet displays mirror the same steps.

Notification Settings

In this video, you will learn how to set up or change your notification settings for Canvas. It's important to set this up so you will receive notifications about assignments, quizzes, due dates, and messages from your instructor.

The Canvas Student app is free to download on iOS and Android devices.

Groups in Canvas

In this video, you will learn about groups in Canvas. The Groups feature allows you to work in small groups with your classmates to collaborate on assignments, projects, and presentations.

Discussion posts

In this video, you will learn how to view, reply to, and edit discussion posts.

Cabrillo CTC Canvas Help

The Cabrillo Computer Technologies Center (CTC) provides Canvas support to Cabrillo students. Students can get help online through Zoom, by email, or in person at Aptos or Watsonville Campus CTC

If you need help logging in or navigating Canvas contact the CTC!

Link to Zoom support

Hours Mon-Thur 9 am-8 pm, Fri 9 am-4 pm, Sat 9 am-5 pm

Email support CTC-Support@cabrillo.edu

In-person support

Aptos Campus 1400 building (by parking lot M)

Hours Mon-Thur 9 am-8 pm, Fri 9 am-4 pm, Sat 9 am-5 pm

Watsonville campus A310 (A building)

Hours Mon, Tues & Thurs 12 pm-8 pm, Wed 9 am-8 pm, Fri 8:30 am-4 pm, Sat 9 am-1 pm

Additional Canvas Support

Canvas offers its own Canvas support features. You can use the Canvas chat, email, or community discussion support.

Canvas Support

Click here to contact Canvas Support

FAQ's about Canvas

I don't see my classes in Canvas! What should I do?

If you do not see your classes in Canvas

Make sure you are registered for a class. Planning a class or being on a waitlist is not the same as being registered.
Most instructors open their Canvas course on the first day of classes.
There may be up to a 12-hour delay, from the time that you register in WebAdvisor or Self-Service to the time when you are added to the class in Canvas. If more than four hours have passed since you registered, and you are still not added to the class in Canvas, then contact the Computer Technology Center (CTC) for support.

My Zoom link isn't in Canvas.

Check your class homepage, syllabus, and modules for the Zoom link
Message your instructor through Canvas or email them. Don't wait till the class starts!

My two Canvas classes look different.

Each instructor sets up their Canvas in a different way. Some instructors use all the features and others only use a few. Make sure you take the time to explore all of the options in your Canvas classrooms.

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