Use of Canvas Course Shells for Non-Credit Activities

Non-Credit Canvas Shells

A Non-Credit Canvas Shell is a Canvas site used for training, orientation, professional development, or engagement purposes without academic credit or transcript record. This procedure applies to all TWU faculty and academic units requesting or managing Canvas course shells that are not tied to credit-bearing courses listed in the official course schedule.

How to Request a Non-Credit Canvas Shell

1. Submit a request through the Canvas ticketing system (select Request Canvas Support from the Canvas Help menu).

2. Include the following information in your request:

   • Course title and description

   • Sponsoring unit or department

   • Intended audience and enrollment method (manual or self-enrollment)

   • Duration of use and desired start/end dates (if applicable)

Requests are reviewed by the Executive Director of Digital Learning and the Associate Director of Learning Management Systems to ensure alignment with institutional goals and compliance standards. Your Canvas Support Request will be updated and an email notification sent to you when your non-credit shell is ready.

Design and Management Guidelines

1. Design and Management Guidelines

• All content must meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.

• No confidential or sensitive data may be stored in the shell. This includes:

  • Personally identifiable student data linked to grades or transcripts

  • Confidential or research data

• Non-credit shells must not simulate official course enrollment, include grades, or deliver academic credit-bearing instruction

2. Responsibilities

   • Course Owner - Maintain content, manage participants, ensure accessibility and FERPA compliance

   • Canvas Administration - Create shells, provide technical support, and enforce retention policies

   • Participants - Engage responsibly and follow university policies

Enrollment and Access

• Participants (faculty, staff, students, or other approved TWU community members) are enrolled manually or via self-enrollment links.

• External users cannot be added. Access requires a valid TWU Pioneer Portal account and TWU Microsoft 365 credentials.

• Shells remain active for up to two years after the last activity (owner access).

• After two years of inactivity, the shell will be scheduled for archival or deletion unless a renewal request is submitted through the Canvas ticketing system (select Request Canvas Support from the Canvas Help menu).

Retention and Deletion

• Non-credit shells are reviewed annually for activity and compliance.

• Shells inactive for two consecutive years will be deleted unless the owner requests renewal. Owners will receive advance notice before deletion.

Support Options

1. Canvas Support will be available 24/7 by phone, live chat, or email through the Help menu within Canvas after you have logged in. For more information see How to Contact Canvas Support.

2. If you are unable to log in, please contact the Technology Service Desk at 940-898-3971 or servicedesk@twu.edu for assistance.