<Please update this list to be accurate for your students. The examples below are recommended activities that help students get Canvas and associated tools configured correctly each semester.>

The activities outlined below will help you set up Canvas and other tools for the semester, make sure you understand basic information to begin our course, and start to get to know your classmates.

1. Customize your Name in Use

Your "name in use" is the name that appears in all UW-Madison tools, like Canvas. This used to be called "preferred name". You can update this within MyUW. See full instructions here: Update Name in Use.

2. Update your Canvas profile

Your Canvas user profile is viewable from the course People list, so you’ll want it to show your current information if it doesn't already. Access your profile by selecting "Account," in the top-left corner, and then selecting "Profile" from the extended list of links. See full instructions here: How do I edit my Profile as a student?

It is recommended to include an appropriate photo of yourself or an appropriate image that represents you, as well as some information that you are comfortable sharing with your classmates. This might include your major or academic interests and hobbies. When thinking about what to include, please note that your Profile is visible to peers and instructors in each of the courses in which you enroll. You can update this at any time.

3. Help Others Pronounce Your Name Correctly

Help instructors and other students know how to pronounce your name. Once you record your name, it will be available in all current and future courses. Others in your courses will be able to access a roster and listen to your recorded name through the NameCoach tool.

Make a new NameCoach recording by selecting "Account," in the top-left corner, and then selecting "NameCoach Recording" from the extended list of links. See Recording your name pronunciation for full instructions. To access others' recorded names, click "NameCoach Roster" in the course navigation.

4. Set your Pronouns in Canvas

Help instructors and other students know which pronouns to use when referring to you. This is optional, but can be helpful to others. Your Pronouns will show up along with your name in all Canvas courses. Access your pronouns by selecting "Account," in the top-left corner, and then selecting "Settings" from the extended list of links. See full instructions here: How do I edit my personal pronouns as a student?

5. Check your Canvas Notification Settings

Many of your instructors will use features within Canvas to communicate with you. These communication tools are only useful if you are notified about new messages in a timely manner. Your notifications can go to one or more email accounts and/or mobile devices, and can be set differently for different courses. It is good practice to check on and adjust your notification settings each semester based on how instructors will communicate with you.

View and adjust your notification settings by selecting "Account," in the top-left corner, and then selecting "Notifications" from the extended list of links. See full instructions here: How do I manage my Canvas notification settings as a student? In Canvas, you can choose how frequently you receive notifications, and you can add additional contact methods, like a second email or push notifications to the Canvas app.

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For this course, we will use Announcements for class communication, and the Canvas Inbox/Messages for individual messages. Please make sure you will receive notifications of these types of communication. See a screenshot of recommended settings: Canvas Notifications with Announcements and Conversation Message set to notify immediately by email.

6. Introduce yourself to the class

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In the Getting to Know You Discussion Forum, introduce yourself to your instructor and your classmates. After that, please complete our Welcome Survey and Orientation Knowledge Check.

Click "Next" below to move on to the Discussion.