Welcome to Northwestern!

Where do I get Canvas help now?

The fastest way to get help with Canvas is to access the Help button at the bottom of the left navigation (highlighted in the image on the right). This will open a host of resources, including 24/7 live chat (recommended) and a hotline to call.

While Northwestern doesn't offer 24/7 service, we do strive to answer requests within one business day. If you are experiencing a Canvas related issue, email consultant@northwestern.edu to submit a ticket to Northwestern Information Technology.

Where do I find Canvas training?

Teaching & Learning Technologies has a variety of training options that allows you to choose your preferred way to learn about and explore Canvas.

Live, online workshops are available year round for Canvas and Panopto.
- Upcoming workshops
On-demand, online trainings allow you to learn at your pace, at the time most convenient for you.
Talk to a person
- Request a 1:1 consultation with one of our Canvas experts year-round.

How do I get started building a Canvas site?

Templates

We've built templates for individual pages, assignments, and courses that are accessible and student-centered. These templates can be directly downloaded into your course from Canvas Commons. These templates were built to be self-service, but you can also:

Attend a workshop to learn about Canvas Commons templates
Use a self-paced training course to learn how to use HTML and templates

Quick-Start Checklist

What if I...?

Used Canvas at Previous Institution

Used a different LMS at Previous Institution

If you have previously used Canvas, you may be able to transfer materials or course items to your Northwestern Canvas sites.

If you downloaded an IMSCC file from any Canvas sites at your previous institution, you can upload that file into your course site or a prep site.
If you didn’t download an IMSCC file before leaving your previous institution, consider contacting the IT department there to ask for a copy of your course.

If you used a different LMS at your previous institution, you can upload individual files or bulk upload files to your new Canvas courses.

How do I navigate the tech in my classroom?

Find out what kind of technology is in your classroom in the Registrar Classroom Directory.
Request a 1:1 orientation of the technology in your classroom.
Request automatic lecture recording of your lecture capture equipped classroom.

What's it called here?

Every institution has its own set of systems and jargon. Here is a quick guide to the most common systems and software you'll use when teaching at Northwestern.

Ed Tech Jargon
I used to use...	At Northwestern, it's...
student registration system and enrollment manager	CAESAR
Learning Management System (LMS), ex. Blackboard, Moodle, Sakai, D2L	Canvas
Lecture Capture and video recording, ex. Kaltura	Panopto
Meeting and classroom video meetings and recordings	Zoom
Survey software	Quizzes in Canvas OR Qualtrics
Plagiarism software	Turnitin
Clickers	Turning
this other tool that I really liked.	Check out our list of integrated tools and other tools used by instructors at NU

What kinds of opportunities are at Northwestern to find community and expand my skills?

Teaching & Learning Technologies holds events through out the year, including an annual conference called TEACHx.
Already comfortable with Canvas? Check out our Beyond Basics workshops that are designed to take your Canvas sites to the next level.
Creating accessible digital content that can be used by all students is the responsibility of everyone who creates Canvas course content. Learn about core digital accessibility skills in the Canvas Accessiblity Project or join Mission: Accessible for guided steps to make your Canvas sites accessible.
What resources and policies are in place regarding generative AI at Northwestern? Teaching and Learning Technologies contributes to ongoing updates to programming and policy on the impact of generative AI on teaching and learning. Throughout the year, check out the Provost's office webpage for new events, updated FAQs, and other information on this developing technology.