The easiest way to log in is through Ferris360. After logging in with your Ferris credentials, you'll see your courses listed in the center of the screen. Click the “View in Canvas” button next to any course to go directly into Canvas—no separate login required. This takes you straight to your Dashboard where you can start exploring your courses.

To begin using Canvas effectively, you should modify your account settings. In the Global Navigation menu, click the Account link and go to Settings. From there, you can upload a profile picture, modify your display name, and add a profile image that represents you. This section also allows you to change your language preferences, timezone, and other personal details.

Canvas offers notifications via email, SMS, and other services, but you must configure your preferences first. Navigate to Account > Settings, and under "Ways to Contact," you can add or edit the email and phone number Canvas uses to send messages. Then, use the Notifications tab to review each option and select how and where you want to receive alerts about course activity.

The Calendar in Canvas helps you organize all your course activities in one place. Access it from the Global Navigation menu, and choose to view events in weekly, monthly, or agenda format. This calendar shows assignment due dates, course events, and even events from groups you’re part of. You can customize which calendars are visible and add your own items to keep everything organized.

Once you're logged into Canvas, you’ll see a Courses link in the Global Navigation bar. Clicking this displays all the courses you're enrolled in. Published and active courses appear in maroon text and can be accessed by clicking their links. Unpublished courses or those not yet available are listed in black text and cannot be accessed until your instructor makes them available.

 The Announcements Index Page helps you keep up with course updates. It lists new announcements in chronological order, with the most recent at the top. You can find this page by clicking Announcements in the course navigation. Your instructor will post reminders, updates, and important class information here. View your syllabus by selecting syllabus from the course navigation menu. 

Canvas makes it easy to join class discussions. To view or participate, click the Discussions link in Course Navigation. Choose a topic, read what others have said, and post your reply using the Reply button. You may also find graded discussion assignments here. Instructors can enable replies and may choose to hide or limit discussion access in certain situations.

To submit coursework, use the Assignments link in the Course Navigation or access it directly from the dashboard. Click the specific assignment you want to submit, then follow the instructions to upload your work. Canvas supports several submission types, including file uploads, text entry, and URLs. If the Submit Assignment button is missing, check with your instructor for guidance.

Canvas quizzes can include a variety of question types such as multiple choice, true/false, and essay. Access quizzes through the Quizzes link in the Course Navigation. Click the title of the quiz you want to take, then select Take the Quiz. Follow the prompts, answer the questions, and submit when done. Note that instructors may hide the quiz link depending on course settings.

The Grades page helps you monitor your performance. By clicking Grades in the Course Navigation, you can view all your current grades for assignments, quizzes, and discussions. This page also shows instructor comments, rubrics, and other feedback. Grades are typically listed in chronological order by due date

If you need help, Canvas offers multiple support options. In the Global Navigation, click Help. You can report problems, ask your instructor a question, search Canvas Guides, or submit feature ideas. These tools are available 24/7 and are designed to support you in navigating and using Canvas effectively.