Canvas LMS

Sign in

Non-Credit Course?  If you are using Canvas for a non-credit course, please use the following link: Non-Credit Course Sign In
Canvas logo

Canvas is a modern Learning Management System (LMS) that provides an easy-to-use clean layout allowing instructors to quickly set up course content and tools efficiently while students navigate course sites and submit work.

The Canvas LMS provides the digital tools and resources that instructors use in a cloud-based environment with strong mobile capabilities for students and instructors available 24/7. The Canvas Teacher app supports most course features on iOS and Android mobile devices, as does the Canvas Student app, which is also available for iOS and Android.

Getting Started

Step 1: Logging In

To begin using the Canvas, just click the "Sign In" button (above). Use your SMU ID and password as your login.

Step 2: Access Your Courses

Your list of available courses will be listed under the "Courses" menu in the Canvas LMS. instructors may begin to add content to any or their existing courses or may request a demo course for training purposes, content development, or testing. If you experience any login issues, please contact the IT Help Desk at 214-768-HELP (4357).

Any Instructor interested in obtaining a Canvas template for the next term, please contact your school's Academic Technology Service Director.

Step 3: Getting Help & Support

There are many ways to get help with Canvas. For most basic "how to" questions, we encourage all of our users to contact IT Help Desk. For additional information about Canvas support, please visit Academic Technology's Instructional & Teaching Technology Guides pages. You can also utilize the Canvas Guides, a site with comprehensive documentation curated by Instructure and the Canvas community. For further assistance and consultation, you can contact your school's Academic Technology Service Director.

Please Note:
 We recommend using Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox when using Canvas.

Documentation and Training

Academic Technology's Instructional & Teaching Technology Guides

To accommodate the academic needs put forth by SMU in Four to build upon the use of the Canvas LMS for the teaching of our students, our ATSD's have designed this site to enhance the use of Canvas' main features: Gradebook, Syllabus, and Calendar.

Also available:

Canvas Guides

For Instructors
For Students
More Guides

Training and Tutorials

In-Person Training

For Instructors

For in-person training and consultation for the Canvas LMS, contact your school's Academic Technology Service Director (ATSD).

Also available:

Online Training and Tutorials

For Instructors
For Students