The following are some of the questions we frequently get asked about the Canvas Syllabut Page. For more information on the Syllabus, check out Instructure's Guide to the Syllabus page.

What is the Syllabus page for?

Canvas has created a Syllabus page that includes three components: the  syllabus description , the Course Summary, and the sidebar. The syllabus description is where you can post your course description, a brief introduction, class guidelines, weekly reminders, and other important information. You can copy content from Word documents directly into the Rich Content Editor or create original content inside of the Rich Content Editor.  You can also link to your Syllabus by uploading it into Files as a PDF and linking it in the content selector. Canvas will automatically create a preview of your document so your students don't have to download it before reading it.

The Course Summary is automatically generated for the course and contains a list of assignments and events. Assignments are indicated by the Assignments icon, and events are indicated by the Calendar icon. Non-graded items with a to-do date show the to-do date. All assignments (unpublished and published) are listed in the syllabus for instructors, but students only see published assignments.

Changes to these dated events can be made in both the Assignments and Calendar features and will be automatically updated in the Syllabus. The Course Summary is enabled by default. Learn how to disable the Course Summary.

How do I upload my syllabus?

To upload your syllabus file to the Syllabus page of Canvas click on Syllabus on the Course Navigation Menu. On the Syllabus page click on Edit, in the far right hand corner of the page. Place your courser in the Rich Content Editor box. Look to the right for the insert content into this page select the file tab. In the file tab you will click on the button that says upload a new file you will then have the option to browse your files on your computer, when you’ve selected the file you would like, click open and then upload. Your file will then become a downloadable link for your students. 

How can I add my Syllabus to my Files?

To upload your syllabus document to Files, go to Files and click on the upload button in the top right corner of the webpage, browse out to your computer and find your Syllabus and then click open.  Your syllabus will be in your files and then be linked to in Modules or a Page.

Can I copy and paste my syllabus to the Syllabus area?

Yes, see the question about "What is the Syllabus page for?"

How can I see a preview of the syllabus?

You can use the auto-open inline preview for files in the Rich Content Editor. Canvas can preview any file that is supported by the document previewer. The Rich Content Editor is used in features that support the editor (Announcements, Assignments, Discussions, Pages, Quizzes, or Syllabus).

To use this feature in Syllabus or another Page, add your Syllabus file, highlight the text and click on the URL link button. This will open a window (Link To Website URL); check the box next to Auto-open the inline preview for this link then click update link and then update syllabus. Your syllabus will now be preview-able.  

How do I set a link to my online syllabus?

First type something in to the Rich Content Editor box, highlight the word (s) then click on the link button and type/paste your URL, click on update link, and then either finish your work or click on update syllabus 

How can I put my syllabus in my Modules? 

The quickest way to do this is to go into your modules page, create a new module or use an existing module. In the module click on the + button so you can add content. Use the drop down menu to select File then select [New file], you will now be able to choose a new file. When you have selected the file click open and you will be brought back to the previous screen, select Add item and your file will appear in the module.  

Tip – Hide the Syllabus link from the left-hand navigation menu if you post it elsewhere.