Getting Started: Instructor Edition

What to keep in mind:

Development 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 and to create course site templates for the classes you teach. 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.

How do I log in?

Canvas is located at canvas.fsu.edu. Simply type "canvas.fsu.edu" in your web browser or navigate to Canvas from the myFSU portal.

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

How do I navigate Canvas?

Alternatively, register for one of our Canvas workshops or webinars to learn more.

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 watch this series of introduction videos and then consult the Canvas Instructor Guide for more detailed information. 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. You can easily combine your course sections into a single “cohort” as needed. You can read more about this in our How to build your new Canvas course site guide.

How do I get quick help with Canvas?

FSU Office of Distance Learning Technical 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, 8am to 5pm (EST), except during FSU holidays.

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 and Canvas Course Setup Checklist to get your course sites set up.

Additional 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.