⚠️ Canvas Outage Update: Canvas is currently offline due to a nationwide cybersecurity incident impacting higher education institutions. All final exams and assignments scheduled for May 8–10, 2026, have been postponed. Please monitor the university’s Canvas Incident page and status updates for the latest information.
The Learning Management System (LMS, called a Course Management System or CMS by some) is your “home base” for online courses. You have access to your schedule, assignments, course syllabus, discussion forums and grades through the LMS. You’ll first log into the LMS to see a listing of courses to which you have access. Clicking on a course title will bring you to that course’s space within the LMS. It is in that course space that you will find your course readings, other assignments, announcements from your instructor, etc. There you will also find links to any other technologies used by the course, such as wikis, blogs, and Collaborate virtual offices.
The University of Illinois currently supports Canvas and Learn@Illinois Moodle Service, depending upon your specific situation. In May 2022, university officials retired Compass 2g as an LMS used on campus.
Learn@Illinois Moodle Service
Learn more about Learn@Illinois Moodle Service by visiting their website.
Contact for Assistance
Chat Online with a Live Learn@Illinois Moodle Service Consultant
Canvas
Computers and Browsers
For best performance, Canvas should be used on the current or first previous major release of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Because it’s built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.
Canvas only requires an operating system that can run the latest compatible web browsers. Your computer operating system should be kept up to date with the latest recommended security updates and upgrades.
Supported Browsers
Canvas supports the current and first previous major releases of the following browsers:
- Chrome 90 and 91
- Firefox 88 and 89 (Extended releases are not supported*)
- Edge 90 and 91
- Respondus Lockdown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements)
- Safari 13 and 14 (Macintosh only)
Find more information on Computer and Browser information.
Getting Started
Access your Canvas dashboard.
Mobile App
Canvas Student allows students to access their courses and groups using a mobile device. Students can submit assignments, participate in discussions, view grades and course material. They can also access course calendars, To Do items, notifications, and Conversations messages.
Canvas Student requires a Canvas account and is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Learn how to access Canvas on your Android device.
Learn how to access Canvas on your iOS device.
Features
As a student, you’ll need to know how to access your course announcements, assignments, and grades; submit assignments and quizzes; use Calendar, Chat, Conferences, and more.
Check out the Canvas Student Guide Table of Contents for How To’s on those features and many other available in Canvas.
Support and Troubleshooting
Students can get help with Canvas by using the Help menu. The Help menu generates a list of resources to help you with Canvas. Canvas displays links according to roles in all enrollments. For instance, if you are a student who had one course with an instructor-based role, the Help menu will show you links available to the student and instructors.
Learn more about Canvas Support for Students.
Students can also access the Troubleshooting Guide if they’re having trouble logging into the Canvas Student App, accessing assignments, submitting a quiz, joining a Zoom meeting, and much more.
Learn more about the Canvas Troubleshooting Guide.
For technical support, contact Technology Services Help Desk at consult@illinois.edu or get 24/7 Instructure Live Support.
Want more information?
For the most comprehensive information, download the Canvas Student Getting Started Guide.
Source: Canvas Website