Canvas student guide

New to Canvas? Learn how to log into Canvas at UTS, navigate the platform, find your subjects and use the app when on the go.

Get started with Canvas

When getting started, you should also ensure your notifications are on so that you don’t miss out on anything important!  

How to log into Canvas and find your subject

Logging in

  1. Go to canvas.uts.edu.au. If you are already logged into secure single sign-on (SSO) you will be redirected straight to Canvas.  
  2.  If you are not logged into SSO you will be automatically prompted to log in using your student email address (firstname.lastname@student.uts.edu.au) and UTS password
  3.  Authenticate with multi-factor authentication (MFA). For help using and setting up MFA head to uts.edu.au/MFA

Forgot your password?
Reset your student password.

Set up your profile

Set your profile picture

If you would like to, you can upload a picture of yourself that will show next to your name when you interact on Canvas, for example, in discussion forums.

  1. Select Account in Global Navigation menu, then select  Settings.
  2. Select the  Edit Settings button.
  3. Click the profile picture icon.
  4. To upload a new profile picture file, click the Picture Options drop-down menu and select the Upload a Picture option. Then click the choose a picture link. You can also drag a picture from your desktop and drop it into the window.
  5. Find the image you want to upload and click the Open or Browse button.
  6. To crop your image, use the selection handles. To recenter the image, hover the cursor over the image, then click and drag the circle selector to a new location. 
  7. When you are finished, click the Save button. 

Set your pronouns

At UTS, we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment for everyone, embracing all identities and experiences. If you feel comfortable, we encourage you to share your personal pronouns on Canvas as a way to encourage a supportive and respectful online community.

Note: You are under no obligation to share your personal pronouns with staff or peers.

You can set your Canvas profile to include your personal pronouns. Once you do, they will appear next to your name in a variety of locations throughout Canvas. Follow these instructions to update your pronouns in your UTS Canvas profile.

  1. Select Account in Global Navigation menu, then select  Settings.
  2. Select the  Edit Settings  button.
  3. Go to the  Pronouns dropdown menu and select your personal pronouns.
  4. Update Settings. Your personal pronouns now appear in your  User Settings. They will also display after your name in many other areas throughout Canvas.

Set up your notifications

To set up your notifications: 

  1. Go to Account > Notifications
  2. Set announcements to "Notify me straight away”.

Read more:  How do I set my Canvas notification preferences as a student? (link opens in external site)

How to use Canvas on a mobile device

Mobile app

Download the Canvas student app from Google Play or the App Store.

Once installed on your device:

  1. Search for and add University of Technology Sydney
  2. Log in using your student email address (firstname.lastname@student.uts.edu.au) and UTS password
  3. Then authenticate with multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access your Canvas home page and subjects.

For help using and setting up MFA head to uts.edu.au/MFA

Most Canvas features will work on mobile devices, but it will work best in the browser on your laptop or desktop computer.

Web browser

Use your mobile web browser to log in at canvas.uts.edu.au 

Read more:  How can I use Canvas on my mobile device as a student? (link opens in external site)

Find your way around Canvas

Watch this video about finding your way

Subjects

Subjects you’re enrolled in are found on your Canvas Dashboard. Subjects are called ‘Courses’ in Canvas.

Read more:  How do I use the Dashboard as a student? (link opens in external site)

Global Navigation menu

Use the Global Navigation menu to access frequently used Canvas features, such as:

  • Course list
  • Groups
  • Calendar
  • Help.

Read more:  How do I use the Global Navigation Menu as a student? (link opens in external site)

Course Navigation menu

Use the Course Navigation menu to access different areas of your subject site, including:

  • Announcements
  • Discussions
  • Assignments.

Read more:  How do I use the Course Home Page as a student? (link opens in external site)

Communication tools in Canvas

Canvas is your platform for all things learning at UTS. Your tutors may use Canvas to provide updates and announcements on subject content, class locations or assessments. You may also need to participate in discussion forums on Canvas. Don’t know what these are? Find out below! 

Announcements

What are announcements?

Your subject coordinator will use announcements to tell you important information about your classes and assessments. 

Read more:  How do I view announcements as a student? (link opens in external site)

Turn on announcements

To set up your announcements:

  1. Go to Account > Notifications
  2. Set announcements to "Notify me straight away”.

Read more:  How do I set up my Canvas announcements as a student? (link opens in external site)

Find and participate in discussions

Watch this video about discussions

You may need to take part in online discussions as part of your subject. Discussions in Canvas are used to start conversations, spark ideas and encourage reflection among you and your peers. Your subject coordinator may allow you to create your own discussions.

Read more:

Use the Inbox 

The Inbox in Canvas is a messaging tool. You can use it to message your tutor, someone in your group, or yourself. Watch this video about Canvas inbox

Read more: 

How do I use the Calendar?  

Click on the Calendar link in the global navigation menu on the left hand side of Canvas  

Read more: 

Assessments in Canvas

Find and submit your assessments

Watch the video about finding and submitting your assessments

Find your assessment information

Assessment information can be found in your subject outline, and the following places in Canvas:

Assessments overview

An assessment overview can be found in the Get Started module for your subject. This provides a quick overview of your assessments and their timing.

Assignments link in the course menu

Detailed information for individual assessments can be found in the ‘Assignments’ link in your subject’s course navigation menu.

Assignments

Read more:

Submit your assessments

When you're ready to submit an assignment through Canvas, click on the Assignments link in your course menu.

You’ll usually find any submission points under the title of your assignment. This includes assignments that need to be submitted via Turnitin.

To submit an assignment, click the blue ‘Submit Assignment’ button to submit your work.

Submit assignment button view

Read more:

Check your subject outline or check with your subject coordinator if you can’t find where or how to submit an assessment.

View your marks or grades

Your final results will always be released via My Student Admin.

If your subject coordinator allows it, you can view marks or grades for individual assessments throughout the session in Canvas. You’ll receive a Canvas notification to say when they’re available.

Read more: 

 

Related:

For more information on how to use Canvas, head to the Canvas Community Student Guide. (link opens in external site)

Are you teaching in Canvas? Head to the LX Resources website for guides on how to create subject sites and teach in Canvas.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.