Canvas - 10-Step Semester Start Checklist for Instructors

This article lists critical items to ensure your course is ready for student access at the start of a new term at the University of Oklahoma. Click the links to helpful Canvas articles containing the most recent documentation, including images and detailed instructions.

To get started, log into Canvas at https://canvas.ou.edu with your OU credentials.  If you need help at any time with Canvas, click HELP inside Canvas and utilize one of the support options available, including signing up for a one-on-one consultation to get help with a specific tool or setting.

To access a more detailed semester checklist, please review the following article:  Detailed Semester Start Checklist for Canvas.

10-Step Semester Start Checklist for Instructors

1. Import Content (If Applicable) aka Copying Content from other Canvas courses: You may need to manually copy course content from another Canvas course, such as a previous semester or a master template course. 

2. Adjust Course Navigation: It is best to adjust the course navigation to something simpler, removing tools that the students will not use OR should not access such as FILES and PAGES. Suggested navigation items and order: HOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, MODULES, ASSIGNMENTS, LOCKDOWN BROWSER (instructor’s eyes only), GRADES, PEOPLE. 

3. Add your Course Syllabus to Modules: Add the current syllabus in PDF or Word format to your course in Modules. This enables students to view the syllabus more easily and quickly download it. 

4. Create/Update Assignments: Verify that discussions, assignments, and quizzes are appropriately created. This builds the gradebook in your Canvas course.  Once the Assignments are built, link them in Modules. 

5. Set up Respondus LockDown Browser: If you are using Respondus LDB/Monitor on quizzes, you may need to add the Dashboard tool (LockDown Browser is the tool name) to your course navigation to use it in quizzes.

6. Review Grades Set Up: Verify the Gradebook is arranged according to your grading policy and your syllabus. If you have a specific grading scheme you wish to use, you will set that up under Settings in the course navigation.

7. Adjust Course Settings: Visit the course Settings to check your Course Details, Sections, Grade Scheme, and More Options.

8. Review Course in Student View: Review your course content from Student View to experience your course from a student perspective. 

9. Publish Course and Content: Check the visibility of individual items and Modules as a whole. Don’t forget to publish your course. If a Module is not published but items inside it are, students will not be able to see them. The module and included items must be published.

   1. NOTE:  If you publish your course and want students to access it before the official first day of a semester, you must update the Start Date under Settings.  How do I update the start date for my course?

10. Add a Welcome Announcement: After you have checked all the course settings and your course has been published, you can use the Announcements feature in Canvas to post a welcome announcement. This orients your students about your course and reminds them of the materials they need to obtain before the first day of class.