Sections in Canvas

Sections in Canvas are used to segment the users in a class. Examples of where Sections can support teaching are:

  • Lab courses with multiple sections

  • Teaching several sections of the same course/content at different times - the instructor can set up One Canvas Course that contains different due dates for each section.

    • This is a great way to manage an Accessibility Accommodation where students require early access to course content.

  • Students Completing an Incomplete can be easily handled, the instructor can go into the past Canvas Course the student was originally enrolled in and create a section so that only the student working in the course has access.

Enrollment Changes Alert

Students enrolled in manually created sections in Canvas will not be dropped from a course in Canvas even if they drop in PeopleSoft.

Contact the Boise State Help Desk to request the students be made “inactive” after dropping the course.

Instructions

Step 1: Get “Section Teacher” Super Powers

  • The standard “Teacher” role does not allow for Section Creation.

  • Fill out the Section Teacher Request Form to request a small permission change that will then allow you to create Sections.

  • While we are often able to get back to you quicker, we do ask that you allow for 24 business hours for this role adjustment to be completed.

Step 2: Create a Section

Help Article from Canvas Guides: How do I add a section to a course as an instructor?

  • Log into Canvas.

  • Go to the Canvas Course Site.

  • From the Course Navigation Menu, select Settings.

  • Select the Section Tab.

  • In the text box below, type in the name of the new Section.

  • Select the blue + Section button.

  • You will now see the new Section listed, click on the section name to edit it.

Select Sections Tab. Create new sections by entering a name into the box on the bottom of the screen and select Add Section button

Edit a Section:

  • On the new page, select Edit Sections from the menu on the right-hand side of the screen.

  • The Section Name is already listed, but you can edit it from this screen.

  • SIS ID - don’t change.

  • Add start/end dates can be used to control access dates if necessary.

    • If you Check the box Users can only participate in the course between these dates.

  • Select Update Section.

Step 3: Add Users to a Section

Important! Students must Accept the course invitation to their class before they can be placed into a section. Informational Article from Canvas.

Adding Individual Users

  • Select People from the Course Layout Menu

  • Locate the student, and select the ellipses next to the student’s name.

  • Select Edit Sections.

  • A new screen will pop up, type the name of the Section in the available box.

  • Select the Section Name from the drop-down menu.

  • Select Update.

    • You don't need to remove the student from his or her original section to have them enrolled

      in the section.

 

  • A green checkmark will show on top of the screen with a Success message.

  • Repeat this process with your own username (Instructor who will be grading the student who is Completing the Incomplete needs to also be added to the new Incomplete Section).


Relevant Information