This page provides answers and links to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Canvas for Students and Faculty. You may also wish to visit our COM Canvas FAQs course or the Canvas Student Guide for additional support. For support with MyCOM, passwords, or other campus technology please visit the MyCOM FAQs.
Student Canvas FAQs
Who do I contact for technical help with Canvas?
Call the Canvas Support Hotline 24/7 at 1-844-592-2200 or chat with a support representative by clicking the Tech Help icon in Canvas.
How do I log into Canvas?
Log into the MyCOM portal and click the Canvas link located in the Quick Links menu on the left side of the screen. You can also log in directly at https://marin.instructure.commarin.instructure.com.
How do I edit my profile in Canvas?
In Canvas, you can add a profile picture, update your name, add a bio, and include an alternate email address or cell phone number to receive notifications. Note that some fields such as your COM email address cannot be changed. The Canvas Guides provide step-by-step instructions on how to edit your user profile.
Why don't I see my course(s) in Canvas?
There are several possible reasons:
- If you recently registered for classes, wait 3–6 hours for your Canvas course to become visible.
- Courses open one week before the semester begins.
- Your instructor may not be using Canvas—contact your instructor to confirm.
- If you haven’t logged in for a while, your instructor may have dropped you—contact your instructor.
- Late-start classes will appear closer to their start date.
- Past semester courses aren’t available. Contact your instructor to request access or submit a support ticket during business hours using the Report a Problem link in the Canvas Help menu.
How do I find my way around Canvas?
For an overview of Canvas, take the Canvas Student Tour.
Why am I not getting the Canvas emails and notifications that my classmates are receiving?
All Canvas messages and notifications are sent to your MyCOM email account. Check it regularly. You should also check your Canvas Notification Preferences to ensure you are receiving all desired types of notifications.
How do I access MyCOM email?
MyCOM mail is accessed through the Webmail link in the MyCOM portal on the portal homepage. MyCOM mail uses Outlook through your free Microsoft Office 365 account. We also recommend you download the Outlook app for easy access to your school email. For additional information, view the guide to MyCOM email and Office 365.
Where can I find additional information on how to perform tasks in Canvas such as submitting Assignments?
Log into Canvas and view Canvas FAQs or search the Canvas Student Guides.
How do I submit a Turnitin assignment in Canvas?
To submit your assignment, log into Canvas and locate your course. Navigate to the appropriate week/topic and look for the Turnitin assignment. Next, click the assignment title link to access the screen where you will upload your assignment. Once you have arrived on the submission screen, view the step-by-step instructions.
How do I send a message to my Instructor using Canvas?
There are two ways:
- In Canvas, click Help → Ask Your Instructor a Question.
- Click Inbox in Canvas and follow the instructions for Canvas Conversations (messages).
Faculty Canvas FAQs
How do I log into Canvas?
Log into Canvas by clicking the Canvas link located on the Quick Links menu in the MyCOM portal or directly at https://marin.instructure.comhttps://marin.instructure.com (enter your MyCOM username and password).
Who do I contact for Canvas Support?
The Faculty Canvas Support Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-833-291-3233. You may also chat with a support representative using the Faculty Support link located in the Canvas Tech Help menu.
How do I get a Canvas course shell?
Course shells are automatically populated for faculty as soon as the semester schedule becomes available. If you need additional shells (e.g., sandboxes) for designing content, please submit a support ticket to the IT Service Desk.
Can I import content from one Canvas course to another?
Yes, you can import content from one course to another. View the Canvas Guide for more information on how to use the Course Import Tool.
Can I combine multiple course sections into one course shell?
Faculty may wish to combine multiple learning management system (LMS) course sections to save time distributing the same content to students. In Canvas, this is referred to as cross-listing. However, combining course sections presents a challenge for compliance with FERPA and related laws, regulations, and policies. For more information about cross-listing please see our best practices for FERPA Compliance in Combined LMS Courses.
Where can I find Canvas Instruction Guides?