Canvas Student FAQ

Welcome to Canvas

We are excited to announce that St. Petersburg College will transition to Canvas, a new Learning Management System, starting in Summer 2025. This change will enhance your learning experience and provide a more user-friendly and efficient way to engage with course content, assignments, and communication.

In Summer 2025, Canvas will replace the current learning management system (MyCourses). You will have access to a more intuitive interface and new tools designed to support your academic success. Your course materials, grades, and assignments will all be available on Canvas.

Accessing Canvas

How do I log into Canvas?

Canvas Widget: To locate the Canvas widget, simply log in to Titan Hub and locate the Canvas Widget on the dashboard or in the “Shortcuts” or “Tools" section.

Learn how to use Canvas

Canvas Training for Students: Get ready with our self-paced Canvas Student Trainining Course (located on your Canvas Dashboard), designed to help you navigate key features confidently. Please complete this course prior to May 19, 2025, the start of SPC's Summer 2025 semester.

How to contact your instructor in Canvas

Login to Canvas and select Inbox on the Global Navigation. 

What is the Inbox in Canvas?

Get help inside Canvas

If you've gone through the Canvas Student Training and you still have questions, here is how to get help inside of Canvas:

Login to Canvas, click the Help icon on the left menu bar. Then, select Support Guides. Choose any of the options provided, or use the search field in the top right corner to type in your own 

Get help from SPC Tech Support

If you encounter issues that cannot be solved through this FAQ or the Canvas Help, please contact SPC Technical Support:

• Phone Support: 727-341-HELP (727-341-4357)
• Email Support: onlinehelp@spcollege.edu
• Live Chat: Chat with Support
  (Available Monday–Sunday, 7:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m. Eastern)
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions about Canvas

Login and Course Access

1. How do I find my courses in Canvas?

• Login to Canvas, select Courses on the global navigation, and then select All Courses to see all the courses you are enrolled in.
• How to Favorite a Course on Dashboard
• Please note that SPC courses will load to Canvas 3 days prior to the course start date. Additionally, recently added or dropped courses may take time to update.

2. I can't log in to Canvas. What should I do?

• Ensure you're using the correct SPC login credentials.
• Double-check that you’re entering your username and password correctly.
• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then try again.
• Try logging in from a different browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
  If none of these steps work, reset your password through SPC’s account recovery system or contact technical support.

Assignments and Grades

3. How do I submit an assignment in Canvas?

• Navigate to the course and locate the assignment under Modules.
• Select the assignment, click Submit Assignment to upload files or type your submission.

4. My assignment didn't upload correctly. What can I do?

• Verify the file format (e.g., .doc, .pdf).
• Check your internet connection.
• Try a different browser or device.
  If issues persist, notify your instructor promptly to discuss alternative submission methods.
  
  

5. How do I check my grades in Canvas?

• Go to the course and click the Grades tab to see your assignments and scores.
  For detailed steps, visit Canvas Grades Guide.
  
  

Quizzes and Exams

Not all quizzes take place in Canvas. Respondus Lockdown Browser is another tool used to verify academic honesty with students.

6. How do I take a quiz in Canvas?

• Open your course and go to the Modules. 
• Select the quiz and select Begin to start the quiz. Make sure your internet connection is stable.

For more tips, check the Canvas Quiz Guide.

7. What should I do if I get disconnected during a quiz?

• Try to reconnect and resume as soon as possible.
• If unable to continue, contact your instructor to explain the issue and request guidance.
  
  

Discussions and Communication

8. How do I participate in a discussion in Canvas?

• Select the course. Select Modules in the course navigation. Select the discussion you want to participate in. Select reply, type your reply, and click Post Reply.
  See Canvas Discussion Guide for details.
  
  
  

Notifications and Preferences

10. How do I set up notifications in Canvas?

• Go to Account > Notifications and adjust settings for activities like due dates and announcements.
  For help, see Canvas Notification Settings Guide.

11. How do I get notified when my instructor posts an announcement?

• Enable announcements in your notification preferences under Account > Notifications 
  
  

Mobile Access

12. How do I use the Canvas mobile app?

• Download the Canvas Student app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Use it to check grades, submit assignments, and view announcements. Enable notifications for real-time updates.

For more information, refer to: 

How to download and sign into the Canvas Student App.

Canvas Mobile App Guide.

Integrations

13. How do I access integrated tools like Badgr, Zoom, and Panopto?

• Your courses may use tools like Backpack for badges, Zoom for meetings, and Panopto for video content.
• These tools are accessible directly within Canvas through the course menu or specific assignments/modules.

Accessibility

14. What accessibility features are available in Canvas?

• Canvas supports screen readers, alternative text, and keyboard navigation.
• Use the High Contrast UI under Account > Settings for a more accessible view.
  For more, see the Canvas Accessibility Guide.
  
  

Security and Privacy

15. How can I keep my Canvas account secure?

• Use a strong password and avoid sharing it.
• Log out from shared devices to prevent unauthorized access.
  If you need additional security tips, check the Canvas Security Guide.
  
  

Troubleshooting

16. Why won’t my course content load?

• Refresh the page and check your internet connection.
• Clear your browser’s cache or try a different browser.
  If issues persist, contact SPC Technical Support.

17. What can I do if I experience compatibility issues?

• Canvas is optimized for Chrome and Firefox.
• For mobile access, use the Canvas Student app for best results.
  
  

Advanced Tips for Canvas Users

18. How can I organize my dashboard and courses?

• Go to Courses > All Courses, and use the star icon to favorite courses you want to see on the dashboard.
  
  

19. How can I track assignment due dates and course events?

• Use the Canvas calendar feature. Sync it with Google Calendar, iCal, or Outlook by using the Calendar Feed option.

Where can I get technical support?

 Have Questions? Contact the SPC Technical Support Center at onlinehelp@spcollege.edu or call 727-341-HELP (727-341-4357) (Mon.- Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Eastern). Chat: Live Chat with Support