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Customize Course Dates and Participation Settings in Canvas

This article was last updated Feb 17, 2025 @ 2:31 pm.

An important feature in Canvas is setting and adjusting course participation dates. Course participation dates control when students can access a course. This guide will help you understand how course participation dates work and how to change them if needed.

How do Course Participation Dates work in Canvas?

Course participation dates in Canvas determine when a course is accessible to students. There are two types of participation you can choose from:

  1. Term Participation: This type of participation makes a published course accessible during default dates automatically set by PSU for all courses in the specific academic term selected. These dates are not customizable. (Note: Term dates are only applied to courses that are CRN-bearing.)
  2. Course Participation: These participation dates are customizable and allow you to give students early access or extend access beyond the term dates. For example, if you want students to review materials before the official start of the term, you can set an earlier start date.

Whether you choose Term or Course participation, the Start date displayed is the first day students can access the course, while the End date is the last day students can access the course. After this date, students can no longer access the course materials or assignments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I choose course participation and don't set the dates?
If you don’t set course dates, the term dates will be used instead.

 

Can I set dates for specific sections of my course?
Section dates cannot be edited by instructors. sections can be created for specific situations, like providing alternative access for students who need to resolve an incomplete, but you will need assistance from an OAI staff member to create the section and set the dates. More information about this can be found in the Incomplete Student Access to a Canvas Course article.

How do I change Course Dates in Canvas?

1. Select the course you want to edit from your Canvas dashboard

2. Navigate to Course Settings

  • Scroll down the course navigation menu on the left side and click on Settings (1) and select the Course Details (2) tab.

3. Update Custom Course Participation Dates

  • Change the Participation drop-down to Course (3).
  • Enter the desired Start and End Dates (4) for your course. Make sure the dates align with your teaching plan.

Note: Both start and end dates must be entered or Term dates will remain in effect.

4. Save Your Changes

  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Update Course Details (5).
  • A message will appear at the top of the page confirming that you have successfully made the update (6).

Best Practices for Course Participation Dates

  • Communicate with Students: If you set custom dates, let your students know when the course will open and close. You can email all students registered in your course using Google Groups beginning approximately two weeks before the start of the term!
  • Allow Review Time: Consider extending the course end date by a few days to let students review their grades and course materials.

Setting and adjusting course participation dates in Canvas helps you manage your course effectively and gives students the access they need to succeed. With these steps, you’re ready to make any necessary changes with confidence.