Canvas Access with a Web Browser
Canvas 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. Since web browser behavior can vary, we recommend you have at least two options available, such as Chrome and Edge. In the event you experience a technical issue, try the action in a different browser. Firefox and Safari, although listed as supported, may cause unexpected behaviors.
Visit the Canvas Browser and Computer Requirements Guide to check your device. 
Web Browser Access
For most, Canvas is accessed through Cardinal Apps using your UIW email and password.
Unique situations exist for a few programs, including ABSN and continuing education programs. ABSN instructors and students use the ABSN Canvas app found in Cardinal Apps to open Canvas directly. However, continuing education students see a login portal when following the access instructions provided by email.
Instructor Experience
Instructors can access the Canvas system as soon as they have a UIW email and password. However, instructors get course access by being listed as the instructor of record in Banner for current terms or by invitation through a colleague. Requests to access a past course, such as for new faculty, are submitted by the Instructor of Record to canvas@uiwtx.edu. Until an instructor is enrolled in a course, an instructor's Dashboard is empty.
Student Experience
Student access to Canvas is dependent on completion of the UIW registration process and enrollment in at least one academic course. When this process is still in progress, Canvas displays an error: "Failed to Log in Canvas doesn't have an account for user." Holds can also delay student enrollment. Once enrolled in a course, course access is dependent on each instructor's decision to publish and allow access.
Access Considerations
Canvas course enrollments are updated multiple times each day. If a student has just registered, or an instructor recently assigned a course, it may take a few hours to see your courses.
If students have holds, their enrollment is not confirmed, or they have a tuition balance, Canvas access may be delayed until the registration process is complete.
Students can check DegreeWorks or Banner Web Self-Service, both accessed through Cardinal Apps, for their current enrollments. Contact your advisor if you need help: Advising Frequently Asked Questions
Once registered, course access is managed by the instructor. A course must be published before students can open it. Instructors can also customize course settings to let students see a course before allowing participation or allow participation earlier than the first day of class.
Don't see a course on your dashboard? Once users have Canvas access, the Dashboard may not display every course enrollment. Use the Course option in the Global navigation menu to open your All Courses list.
