Student FAQs

Questions and answers to common Canvas questions at Georgetown University:

What are the browser and computer requirements for Canvas?

You can access Canvas from a web browser or through the Canvas Student App (Android / iOS) for smartphones and tablets.

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.

For more information, check out Canvas’ guide on browser and computer requirements.

I am unable to access Canvas, what should I do?

If you are unable to login to Canvas using your NetID and password, or you need help with Duo Two-Factor Authentication please contact the Georgetown University Service Center:

I am missing a course in Canvas, what should I do?

Changes and updates in MyAccess are not immediately reflected in Canvas and will be present in Canvas within 4-6 hours (but no later than the next business day).

Canvas relies on course listing and enrollment data from the university registrar. Courses and enrollments must first be added through the registrar’s system (MyAccess) before they automatically appear in Canvas. Make sure your enrollment is listed in MyAccess.

If you see your enrollment listed in MyAccess then it should also appear in Canvas. However, only courses that have been published by the instructor will appear on your Canvas Dashboard. You can try searching your All Courses list in Canvas, which will show both published and unpublished courses.

If you cannot login to MyAccess, or your course enrollment is missing in MyAccess, please contact:

I am unable to access a course in Canvas, what should I do?

In some cases, once the semester has ended, the instructor may prevent students from accessing past courses and its content.

Courses in Canvas must first be published by your instructor before you can access them. If a course is listed in your All Courses list, but not accessible to you it’s likely not published. Once your instructor has published the course you will be able to access it.

However, some courses may never be published by the instructor. If your course remains unpublished in Canvas after the start of the semester, please contact your instructor directly and ask if Canvas will be used. You can look for your instructor’s contact information in the Georgetown University online directory.

When do my Canvas courses for a new semester appear?

Courses in Canvas must first be published by your instructor before you can access them. If a course for a new semester is listed in your All Courses list, but not accessible to you it’s likely not published. Once your instructor has published the course you will be able to access it.

Canvas courses are created after the release of the schedule of classes for the upcoming semester in accordance with the Registrar’s Academic Calendar. 

There will be some variation on the exact release date, but generally course creation will occur prior to the beginning of each semester on or close to the following dates:

  • October 15:  Spring courses are created
  • January 13:  Summer courses are created
  • March 18:  Fall courses are created

Students who are scheduled to return from a leave of absence will not have access to Canvas until shortly before the new semester officially begins. Learn more about students on a leave of absence and access to Canvas.

How do I add pronouns to my Canvas account?

For information or feedback about the available pronoun options in Canvas, please contact: oads-team@georgetown.edu

When you are making decisions about adding or updating your pronouns and/or name in Canvas, you might want to consider the following factors:

  • Adding/updating your pronouns or editing your name in Canvas will not affect other university systems. You will have to go to other platforms, such as Zoom or MyAccess, and set your pronouns in those systems too.
  • Adding/updating your pronouns or editing your name will be reflected in all of your Canvas courses, past and present. Canvas does not currently offer the ability to make account changes isolated to specific courses.
  • Most integrated tools in Canvas (also called LTI, external, or third-party tools and apps) do not currently support displaying Canvas pronouns properly or at all.
  • To display your pronouns in Canvas you will need to edit your Canvas account settings. There you can select your pronouns from a drop-down menu. Pronouns selected from the drop-down menu will automatically display after your name in Canvas and display in multiple areas including: account profile page, Canvas inbox, course discussions, course people and group page(s), and course activity comment fields.
  • If your pronouns are not represented in the drop-down menu, you can opt to edit your “Display Name” in Canvas and add your pronouns after your name. Warning: Adding your pronouns in the “Full Name” field in your Canvas account can disrupt Canvas’s connection with other university systems.

Add or update your pronouns from the drop-down menu:

  1. Login to Canvas
  2. Click Account (above the dashboard button)
  3. Click Settings
  4. Click Edit Settings (right side of the page)
  5. Select the pronoun from the drop-down menu
  6. Click Update Settings (bottom of page)

Your selected pronouns will now appear in your account and in your courses.

(Optional) Edit your “Display Name” and add your pronouns after your name:

Warning: Adding your pronouns to your “Full Name” in Canvas will disrupt the alphabetical order of the Canvas Gradebook, Canvas Speedgrader and alter your account data in third-party tools like Panopto. Therefore, we recommend only adding pronouns to your “Display Name” in Canvas.

If your pronouns are not represented in the drop-down menu we recommend you add your pronouns only to your “Display Name” in Canvas. Pronouns added to your “Display Name” will appear on your Canvas account profile page, Canvas inbox, course discussions, course people and group page(s), and course activity comment fields.

  1. Login to Canvas
  2. Click Account (above the dashboard button)
  3. Click Settings
  4. Click Edit Settings (right side of the page)
  5. In the “Display Name” field add your pronouns after your name
  6. Click Update Settings (bottom of page)

How do I fix errors caused by third-party cookie settings?

In most cases, switching to a different web browser will solve the problem.

You may get third-party cookie error messages when trying to access some tools and pages in Canvas. Cookies allow your user authorization and account details (e.g. name, NetID and course role) to pass from Canvas to the third-party tool. If you receive error messages when accessing third-party tools in Canvas you will need to make a change to your web browser’s settings.

Follow the guides below if you would like to change your web browser’s settings to allow cookies in Canvas. We do NOT recommend setting your browser to accept all third-party cookies. However, adding cookie exceptions in your browser will allow the specific third-party tool to work in Canvas.

Do students on a leave of absence have access to Canvas?

Typically, students on a leave of absence from Georgetown do not have access to Canvas.

Students who are scheduled to return from a leave of absence can expect to have their access to Canvas restored only shortly before the new semester officially begins (on or close to the following dates):

  • August 20: Fall semester
  • May 21: Summer semester
  • January 1: Spring semester

There will be some variation on the exact dates. These dates are controlled by the Registrar.

Do consortium students get access to Canvas?

Yes, consortium students at Georgetown will have access to Canvas in order to fully participate in coursework. To establish your access to Canvas, you will need to do the following:

Do I have access to Canvas after graduating?

SCS students in non-credit certificate programs should consult the Non-Credit Student Handbook for details on how long they will be able to access Canvas after completing their program.

Most Georgetown alumni will maintain their access to Canvas for twenty-one (21) years after graduation. As alumni you will still use your NetID and NetID Password to access Canvas.

Access to specific courses and content in Canvas might be modified, blocked, or completely removed by the instructor. As a result, prior to the end of each semester we recommend students consider downloading any course materials that they may need in the future.

Don’t see what you are looking for?

Check out the Get Help page to connect with Canvas support.