Canvas Term Start-Up Checklist for Faculty

Canvas Course Setup Guide Interactive · Saves Progress

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Implementation Paths

MINIMUM VIABLE SETUP (1 minutes): Complete first five Essential items for basic functionality

STANDARD PREPARATION (30 minutes): Complete Essential section for Day 1 readiness

COMPREHENSIVE EXCELLENCE (45 minutes): Leveraging Canvas' capabilities for full pedagogical potential

ESSENTIAL — Day 1 Requirements (15 minutes to ensure seamless student access)

COURSE ACTIVATION AND CONTENT:

Publish course → Enable student access | 30 sec

Make a Canvas Request → Import previous semester materials | 2 min

Update syllabus → Confirm current course information | 2 min

Publish Week 1 content → Ensure immediate learning materials available | 2 min

BASIC CONFIGURATION:

Post welcome announcement → Set positive course tone | 2 min

Highlight Harvard Resources in Canvas Modules → Reduce tech support demands | 1 min

Configure navigation menu → Streamline student experience | 2 min

Install Tools → Access Hello Harvard to learn about and add available tools | 5 min

Result: Professional, organized course ready for instruction

IMPORTANT — Week 1–2 Enhancement (20 minutes to optimize semester-long functionality)

CONTENT:

Review and update all titles and content → Ensure current term accuracy | 10 min

Add due dates to all assignments → Prevent student scheduling confusion | 5 min

Review and publish remaining content → Prepare semester materials | 10 min

Verify all external links → Maintain content accessibility | 10 min

Outcome: Comprehensive course structure supporting student achievement

TEACHING EXCELLENCE — Complete Experience

QUALITY ASSURANCE:

Conduct comprehensive course site review → Ensure everything functions properly | 15 min

Review course through Student View → Verify student experience | 5 min

Clean Files area → Delete outdated materials from previous terms | 10 min

Book 1-to-1 consultation with ITG → Brainstorm updates and improvements for your course site | 45 min

Check News in Canvas & Tools → Review feature updates for the tools you use | 10 min

Remediate site for accessibility compliance → Ensure universal design compliance | 15–30 min

Achievement: Exemplary course meeting highest teaching standards

Expert Support Available: For additional help, contact the Instructional Technology Team at teach.dce.harvard.edu/itg. We're here to support your teaching excellence.