There are 3 ways of adding a course syllabus in Canvas. These are 1) upload the document to the course files area, 2) create a page containing the material, 3) and/or make use of the Course Syllabus Tool.

1. How to Upload to the Files Area

The Files area stores course files. Instructors can lock folders and files so they can only be viewed by direct links or only unlock on a specific date. Files can be placed in Modules, Assignments, or Pages. Files and folders are put in alphabetical order and cannot be rearranged.

1. In Course Navigation, click the Files link.
2. Click Upload.
3. Choose the file you want to upload from your computer, and click the Open button.

2. How to Create a page

Pages store content and educational resources that are part of a course or group but don’t necessarily belong in an assignment. Pages can include text, video, and links to files and other course or group content. Pages can also be linked to other pages. They can also be used as a collaboration tool for course or group wikis where only specific users can have access. Canvas keeps the entire history of the page to account for changes over time.

1. In Course Navigation, click the Pages link.
2. Click the Add Page button.
3. Type a name for your page
4. Use the Rich Content Editor to create content for your page.
5. If you are ready to publish your page, click the Save & Publish button. If you want to create a draft of your page, click the Save button.

3. How to Use the Course Syllabus Tool

The syllabus tool in Canvas allows you to add personalized content on the top and has the Course Summary on the bottom. The course summary is a chronological list of Assignments and Events within a course. These are automatically generated as you add to your course. Unpublished assignments will show for the instructor but will not show for students.

1. Select Syllabus from the Course Menu.
2. Select Edit to add comments, policies, objectives, and or goals.
3. To edit the Course Summary you must change the Assignments themselves.

2 Cents Provide contact information which may include biography, availability information, communication preferences, response time, and picture. Zoom is a great way to provide office hours. Visit the Using Zoom module in the Remote Teaching Resources Course.

Add a Syllabus Quiz to the course introduction materials to serve as a check for understanding and confirmation that students have read the syllabus.

Need something more?

If you would like examples of online etiquette guidelines for your students, visit 10 Netiquette Guidelines and Discussion Forum Etiquette in the Remote Teaching Resources Course.

If you need immediate assistance, please feel free to reach out to Learning Environments:

713-348-4357 | teaching@rice.edu | Remote Teaching Resources