📬 Canvas Inbox & Student - Instructor Communication Guide
Includes Information on Course Announcements, Post-Course Messaging, and Canvas Navigation Resources
Overview
Clear and timely communication in Canvas is essential for your success as a student. This guide explains:
- How to message your instructor during and after your course.
- How to check Canvas announcements.
- Where to find helpful Canvas navigation resources.
Response Time: Instructors typically respond within 48 hours. Response times may be slightly longer during holidays or peak times in a semester.
⏳ Expected Grading Timeline
⏱️ Please allow 5 to 7 days for mastery assignments to be graded and feedback provided. Multiple choice quizzes are automatically graded.
📣 Canvas Course Announcements
Students should regularly check the "Announcements" section and "Grades" section of their course for essential feedback for assignments and important updates related to their course:
- Course Resources
- Important Dates
- Instructor Office Hours
- Course Schedule (Posted during the first week)
- Midway Check-In (Midterm Resources)
- Course Closure & Finals Week Reminders
A reminder will be posted at least one week before the course closes.
🛠️ Getting Started in Canvas – Student Checklist
New students must complete the Course Introduction by clicking through each required page before starting Module 1.
✅ Required Course Introduction Pages:
- 📚 Syllabus (Must complete the syllabus quiz)
✔️ Once the Course Introduction is complete, you may begin Module 1 and proceed in order.
📂 Additional Student Resources:
✉️ Messaging Instructors: During and After the Course
Navigate to Your Inbox located on the Canvas Main Menu:
View Canvas Inbox Toolbar:
The toolbar includes these message options below:
The toolbar includes these message options below:
- Filtering by type lets you filter messages by Inbox, Unread, Starred, Sent, Archived, and Submission Comments.
- You can search for conversations by name in the Search by user field [3].
- Filtering by type lets you filter messages by Inbox, Unread, Starred, Sent, Archived, and Submission Comments.
- You can search for conversations by name in the Search by user field [3].
How to Contact Your Instructor:
- Check "Meet Your Instructor" button for your Instructor's name.
- Message your instructor using the Canvas Inbox.
- Expect responses within 48 hours.
- Instructors host weekly office hours for general course inquiries that may require more discussion.
How to Find Concluded Courses in the Canvas Inbox:
Important Disclaimer: Grading and assignment reviews may continue after the course end date, especially for those who work was submitted close to the deadline.
Important Disclaimer: Grading and assignment reviews may continue after the course end date, especially for those who work was submitted close to the deadline.
- Open your Canvas Inbox.
- Click the dropdown labeled "All Courses" on the toolbar option [1].
- Under "Concluded Courses" locate your course and click the ✏️ or compose icon to message your instructor.
🚨 Technical Assistance
If you have additional questions or experience technical issues with exams, assignment submissions, or Canvas access (especially near the course end date), please contact:
📧 TEL Support Team: support@tel-education.org
📧 TEL Support Team: support@tel-education.org
Contacting support is the fastest way to resolve technical issues and protect your deadlines.
✅ Summary
- Use the Canvas Inbox to message instructors, including after the course ends.
- Be sure to filter for Concluded Courses when needed.
- Check the Announcements page regularly for office hours, updates, and reminders.
- Allow up to 48 hours for instructor responses.
- Contact TEL Support for exam questions and technical issues