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What is Canvas?

Canvas is a cloud-based learning management system (LMS) by Instructure that supports current and evolving teaching and learning needs. Over 2,400 instructors and 19,000 students use Canvas in 2,000 courses every quarter across Stanford’s seven schools, Stanford Center for Professional Development, and Continuing Studies. 

Canvas Course Creation

Canvas courses are automatically created each quarter according to the Canvas Course Creation Schedule. After this date, instructors can edit their course at canvas.stanford.edu. Instructors need to click the “Publish” button in Canvas for students to be able to see their Canvas courses. A Canvas course will not be available to students until it is published.

NoteYou can no longer unpublish your course once it contains a graded submission. 

For help getting started with Canvas, please contact us or check out the instructor resources.

When did we move to Canvas?

In September 2015, Stanford began transitioning to Canvas as our primary Learning Management System. As a part of this phased implementation, we supported courses in both CourseWork and Canvas. CourseWork was retired on December 21, 2016.

Project Team

While Canvas is a commercial product, it is supported by a team of technical support specialists, developers, and instructional and user experience designers within Learning Technologies & Spaces within The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs (VPSA).

How can I learn more about Canvas?

Check out our instructor and student resources or contact us to arrange an appointment to discuss your course and get one-on-one help.