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Student FAQ

  • Updated

Introduction

Below are answers to some of the most common questions students ask about Canvas, course access, assignments, and Zoom. Whether you are new to online learning or just need a refresher, this guide can help you quickly find the information you need.

We also recommend reviewing these helpful resources:

Canvas Student Orientation
A self-paced orientation designed for students who are new to online learning at UC San Diego Extended Studies and Canvas. It includes helpful tips, tutorials, and resources to help you feel confident navigating your course.

Getting Started with Online Learning at UC San Diego Extended Studies
A collection of step-by-step tutorials and support resources designed to help you prepare for and succeed in your online course experience.

 

 

Table of Contents

Accessing Courses in Canvas

Completing and Submitting course work in Canvas

Viewing and Accessing Course Content

Zoom

Still Need Help?

 

 

Accessing Courses in Canvas

When will I have access to Canvas?

When you enroll in a UC San Diego Extended Studies course for the first time, your Canvas account is created the following morning at 7:30am Pacific Time (PT).

You will log in to Canvas using your MyExtension username and password.

Before your course begins, you will see the Canvas Student Orientation course in your dashboard.

Your enrolled course will appear in Canvas on its published start date, and you can begin accessing course content at that time.

When will I have access to a specific course in Canvas?

If you enroll at least 48 hours before your course start date, you will gain access to your course in Canvas at 7:30am (PT) on the published start date.

Please note:

  • Enrollment processing may take 24–48 hours after registration.
  • If you register within 48 hours of the course start date, your enrollment may still be processing.

How can I view my pending enrollments in Canvas?

By default, your Canvas dashboard limits the amount of courses that are displayed at a given time. Future courses may not automatically appear on your Canvas dashboard.

To view all enrollments:

  1. Click Courses in Canvas.
  2. Select All Courses.

You may see upcoming courses listed before their start date, but course content will not be available until the course officially begins.

Please reference the following help article for directions: How to View All Courses

How long will I have access to Canvas after my class ends?

Students retain access to their course in Canvas for 30 days after the published course end date. See your MyExtension account for course start and end dates. Please note, instructors may not monitor discussions or accept submissions after the course end date. Review your course syllabus for assignment deadlines and late submission policies.

Why can’t I view my course from previous quarters?

Courses are no longer accessible more than 30 days after the published course end date.

Will I be notified when my class starts?

After enrollment, Student Services will send you a confirmation directing you to MyExtension for course details, including the course start date and Canvas login information (if the course is Online, Hybrid or Live Online).

Please note, Zoom meeting details are provided by your instructor, not through MyExtension.

Many instructors or program managers send welcome emails before the course begins, but this varies by course. If you need information before the course start date, please reach out to the department contact associated with the course on the Contact Us page on the UC San Diego Extended Studies website.

To avoid missing your start date, add it to your calendar and set a reminder.

How can I contact my instructor?

For Online, Hybrid, or Live Online courses:
Use the Canvas Inbox feature (available on or after your course start date). For information on how to use the Canvas Inbox, please reference our help article: How to Contact Your Instructor

For In-Class courses:
Use the contact information in your syllabus or reach out to the program manager.

 

 

Completing and Submitting course work in Canvas

How do I post in Discussions or add an image/attachment?

Refer to: How to Respond or Post to a Discussion

How do I upload an assignment?

Refer to: How to Submit an Assignment

Can I resubmit an assignment?

This depends on your instructor’s assignment settings.

If resubmission is not available:

  • Contact your instructor through Canvas Inbox immediately.
  • Attach your assignment to the message.
  • Clearly explain the issue.

How do I upload a zipped file?

Zipped files are uploaded the same way as other file types in Canvas.

Refer to: How to Attach a File in Canvas

 

 

Viewing and Accessing Course Content

What should I do if I can’t view a lesson in Canvas?

First, contact your instructor through Canvas Inbox and explain what content you cannot access.

Possible reasons include:

  • The module or page has not been published
  • A prerequisite activity has not been completed
  • The instructor has set availability dates that control when content becomes visible

How do I save lectures?

If your instructor provides downloadable files (such as PDFs), you may save those materials. You cannot download or save the video files that contain audio/video lectures that are provided in Canvas.

Can I save a PDF copy of my discussion posts?

Refer to: How to Save my Discussion Replies

 

 

Zoom

Why haven’t I haven’t received the Zoom information for my class?

Zoom meeting details are not provided through MyExtension.

Your instructor will share all Zoom meeting information (meeting times and access links).

How do I get information about a Zoom session I missed?

For Online, Hybrid, or Live Online courses:
Check your Canvas course first for recordings or announcements. If needed, contact your instructor through Canvas Inbox.

For In-Class courses:
Contact your instructor directly.

 

 

Still Need Help?

If you need additional assistance, use the resources below to connect with the right support team.

Course Content Questions

For questions about assignments, grades, course materials, or class expectations, please contact your instructor directly through the Canvas Inbox (for Online, Hybrid, or Live Online courses) or use the contact information provided in your course syllabus.

Enrollment, Registration, or Student Record Questions

For help with enrollment status, registration, transcripts, or MyExtension account questions, contact UC San Diego Extended Studies Student Services:

Phone: 858.534.3400
Email: unex-reg@ucsd.edu

Technical Support for Canvas or Online Learning

For technical issues with Canvas, login problems, or trouble accessing course materials:

  1. Visit the Online Learning Help Center for FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides.
  2. If you still need assistance, Submit a Help Request or call UC San Diego Extended Studies Online Learning Support: 858.246.1059.

 

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