The information provided below will help you understand why it is important to access and start working in your Canvas courses as soon as classes start.

How often should I log into my Canvas courses?

If you don't log into Canvas regularly you could miss out on a lot of things! It is important for students to regularly read/respond to messages, check for new announcements, and participate in class discussions. Many students (especially those enrolled in online or hybrid courses) will also need to log into Canvas to access their assignments and turn them in.

It is recommended that you should log in and check your Canvas courses:

At least 4-5 times a week for an online course
At least 2-3 times a week for a hybrid course
At least once a week for a traditional course

The above number of log-ins are an estimation and your should consult with your instructor to determine the course participation expectations.

Should I log into Canvas the first week of class?

It is very important that you log into your Canvas courses the first day of class for online courses and the first week for hybrid and traditional courses. Many instructors have work that needs to be started immediately and assignments due at the end of the first week!

What can happen if I don't participate?

Participating in class is an important part of the learning process. In an online class it is the same as in a traditional classroom course; you need to attend and participate in the course. Specifically for an online course though, if you do not attend and participate, there is a chance you could be dropped from the course.