Getting Started: Instructor Edition

Shanay Murdock

Apr 02, 2026

36540

Things to keep in mind

Development sites available! All instructors and graduate students preparing to teach courses can use development sites in Canvas. These development sites are intended for the purpose of becoming familiar with how Canvas functions, to create course site templates for the classes you teach, experiment with course functionality, or act as a repository for your growing collection of resources. If you would like a dev site please request it via our Development Site Request Form.
You DO NOT need to create or register for a Canvas account. We create all user accounts automatically once a new FSUID is activated, so there is no need for you to register for a Canvas account or do anything else to gain access to Canvas.
Once you have access, be sure to set your notification preferences in Canvas.
We recommend that you import the ODL Quality Course Shell before building your course. By doing so, you'll automatically build your course on selected quality standards based on the Quality Matters rubric.

Canvas is located at canvas.fsu.edu. You can access it from that link/URL or navigate to Canvas from the myFSU portal.

Canvas uses your FSUID username and password as your login. Staff and faculty should receive an email with instructions on how to activate your FSUID and set up your password once your paperwork has been processed by HR.
If you didn't receive an email to activate your account, please contact the ITS Service Desk at 850-644-4357 (850-644-HELP).
If you're having trouble remembering your password, you can reset it.

How do I navigate Canvas?

Once you have your FSUID and password setup, we recommend that you start off by checking out our Canvas Instructor/Staff Orientation organization site in our Canvas application that all new faculty and staff are automatically enrolled in. This resource is designed to cover the basics and offer an easy reference you can go back to later if needed. You can also click through this series of introduction videos from Canvas as they pertain to you and then consult the Canvas Instructor Guide for more detailed information, broken down by areas within Canvas.

Alternatively, request a consultation or register for any of our more theme-specific workshops to learn more.

If you're pressed for time and just want to know the bare-minimum basics to get started, then consult the navigation resources below:

Don't forget! You have access to additional library resources and all new instructors are also automatically enrolled in our FSU Online Quality Design Course within Canvas as well (more information below).

When do I see my courses in Canvas?

We automatically create Canvas courses for your individual sections for you rather than making you request them yourself. If you are a brand new employee to FSU, it may take a little bit of time for all systems to synchronize you as the Instructor of Record (IoR) or Primary Instructor (PI) but you will automatically be added to any Canvas course site for section(s) you are registered to teach.

You can easily combine your course sections into a single "cohort" as through cross-listing as needed.

How do I get quick help with Canvas?

FSU's Office of Digital Learning (ODL) Canvas Support is here to help you every step of the way! We have developed a comprehensive knowledge base, so remember that you can always visit the FSU Canvas Support Center any time you have a question, run into a problem, or want to check Canvas news.

Have a question right now? The answer might be in our FAQs, or Canvas's Instructor Guide! Or, you can always create a support ticket, email us at [email protected], or call us at (850) 644-8004. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM (EST), except during FSU holidays. We'll always post via Canvas dashboard announcements if we're offering extended hours around the beginning or end of a term.

Find other useful tips on our Tips for a Better Canvas Experience guide! To really hit the ground running, check out our Accessibility & Usability Overview to ensure all of your students can access your course materials in the way that works best for them.

Further Resources

Access the FSU Online Quality Design Course inside our Canvas application. This course will guide you through building your course, and demonstrate how to use it effectively for teaching.

You can also register for one of our Canvas workshops or webinars to learn more about how to effectively deliver your course for a quality teaching and learning experience.