Introduction to Canvas LMS for Students at CSU Pueblo
If you are a student at CSU Pueblo, this support article provides an introduction to Canvas, the new Learning Management System (LMS) at CSU Pueblo. It includes a video walkthrough for students from Kate at Canvas Instructure, additional information about setting up your Canvas account for yourself, and ways to get help.
**For the Fall 2026 semester, most courses will remain in Blackboard. For students taking Independent Study courses through the Division of Extended Studies, or a pilot course being led by one of our Canvas Champion faculty, your course will be in Canvas.
**Starting in the Spring 2027 semester, all courses at CSU Pueblo will be taught in Canvas.
Login Credentials
Access to Canvas, and other related resources, is through the following link (we recommend bookmarking this link, since it will be used frequently): https://www.csupueblo.edu/canvas/
To log in to Canvas, use your NetID and NetID password.
Canvas Video Walkthrough for Students
To make sure that you are Canvas-ready for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or semesters beyond, please review the video walkthrough from Kate at Canvas Instructure. Kate provides information on navigating the Dashboard and Global Navigation Menu in Canvas before providing an overview of what to expect in a Canvas course. After watching the walkthrough video and following along in Canvas where possible, review the additional information and tips for navigating Canvas below.
Navigating the Canvas Dashboard and Global Navigation Menu
Here is some additional information on key areas of the Canvas Dashboard and Global Navigation Menu that are important for you to be aware of as a CSU Pueblo student.
Canvas Dashboard
Once logged in to Canvas, you should automatically be directed to the Dashboard. This is where your courses will display to you once the semester begins or once your instructor has made them available to you. If you are enrolled in courses that have not started yet, you may see an announcement on the Dashboard letting you know that they aren't available yet.
From the Dashboard you can also view your To Do list, which will display any recent announcements or course content with a due date, your recent feedback on Assignments, and any grades you've received.
If IT has important announcements to share with you regarding Canvas access, you will also see these announcements posted in the Dashboard as well.
You may also see the option here to set up your Notification Preferences on your account. As a student, this is very important for you to check to ensure you receive the notifications you want for important course updates and information. You can click the red button on the Dashboard to set up your Notification Preference right away, but you can also access the Notifications settings through the Account option on the left sidebar menu, known as the Global Navigation Menu.
Courses Tab in the Global Navigation Menu
By clicking the Courses tab in the Global Navigation Menu on the left and then selecting All Courses, you will see all of the courses that you are enrolled in. This will include any courses that have not started or been published yet.
Account and Notifications Settings
The first option in the left sidebar menu of Canvas is labelled Profile. Clicking on Profile opens a list of other options for you to review including Notifications, Profile, Files, Settings, and more.
If your preferred name is not displaying in Canvas, you can request to have this changed in the NetID system under Preferred First Name. This support article provides more information on how to set your preferred first name (or nickname).
Clicking Notifications in the options under Profile will take you to the full list of Notification Settings available in Canvas for your account and individual courses you are enrolled in. Some notifications are enabled by default, but it is recommended to review these immediately and update your preferences to make sure you don't miss out on important course updates and information. Notifications will be sent to your CSU Pueblo email address.
Calendar
Another option in the Global Navigation Menu is the Calendar. Each course has its own calendar where due dates will display and you can also schedule personal calendar events or to do list items for yourself here.
Canvas Inbox
The Canvas Inbox in the Global Navigation Menu is for sending and receiving messages within Canvas to your instructor or other students.
History
The History option in the Global Navigation Menu is for reviewing and finding what you have accessed within Canvas in the last 30 days.
Getting Support with Canvas
Questions about how something works in Canvas? Here are some resources available to you as a CSU Pueblo student.
In the Global Navigation Menu, there is an option for Help if you need support with Canvas.
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Ask Your Instructor a Question - if you have a question about a specific course, you can send your instructor a message through Canvas with this option.
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Report a Problem - for tech support questions or to report a suspected bug in Canvas, this option will send a notification to your IT Support. Or you can contact the IT Help Desk directly here.
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Canvas Guides - Access Guides for Students Getting Started in Canvas for more information on all the available features and functions of Canvas for students.
Helpful Links
If you have questions related to Canvas not covered in this article or the linked resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to the IT Help Desk for additional support!
CSU Pueblo Canvas Login Page
CSU Resource - Canvas Login Credentials
CSU Resource - Set or Change Your Preferred Name in Canvas through the NetID System
CSU Pueblo Resource - Student Resources for Canvas
Canvas Resource - Guides for Students Getting Started in Canvas