Canvas: Use a Template

When creating a course site from scratch, using a template can be a good way to get a course site up and running quickly and efficiently. Think of a template as a pre-built framework for how to structure a course site and what elements to include. 

Note: If you are going to use a template, it must be applied before you start cleaning up your site.

Step 1: Review/Explore the campus templates

Review the campus templates table below to see if your unit or campus has already provided a template for your use. Some units require their instructors to use their designated templates.

If you don't see your unit below you are welcome to use the UMN-ATSS templates. You can explore the templates by clicking on the associated link in the 'Canvas Template Site' column. Some sites include links in the 'Template Site with Example Content' column; these represent what a site would look like with content.

Step 2: Import a template into your course site

Once you find a template you would like to use, you will need to search for it in Canvas Commons using the search terms listed in the table below and then import it into your course site

If you are not required by your college or unit to use a specific template you can also find and use any public templates available on Canvas Commons.

Canvas Commons is a great resource for templates and other content items that you can import into your course. Here is a detailed document that explains more about How to use Canvas Commons.

Step 3: Add content to your course site

Start adding content to your site. For help, see the resources and guides on the Canvas page. Once your site is ready for students, you will need to publish your course so they can locate it.

University of Minnesota Canvas Templates

University of Minnesota Canvas Templates Table
Unit Name Required? Canvas Commons Search Term Link to Canvas Template Site Template Site with Example Content
UMN-ATSS Face-to-Face N/A UMN Repository Template UMN-ATSS Face-to-Face Canvas Template Site UMN Repository Example
UMN-ATSS Hybrid N/A UMN Hybrid Course Template UMN-ATSS Hybrid Canvas Template Site UMN Hybrid Example Canvas Course
UMN-ATSS Online N/A UMN Fully Online Template UMN Online Canvas Template Site UMN Fully Online Example Course
CBS CBS starts all courses with template CBS Home Page Course Template CBS Home Page Course Template Site N/A
CEHD Recommended - refer to CEHD support page for instructors for assistance CEHD Course Template CEHD Course Template CEHD Canvas Template Blank Example
CLA Most courses start with a CLA template CLA Template CLA Template (must be logged into Canvas to access) N/A
CSOM  Recommended- contact [email protected] for assistance CSOM Example Canvas Site CSOM Template Guidance Site N/A
CSPH Required CSPH Full Semester Template (2020) Center for Spirituality and Healing Template Site (must be logged into Canvas to access) N/A
CCAPS Required CCAPS ATD Template CCAPS ATD Template Site N/A
SPH Recommended- contact School of Public Health Office of E-Learning Services for assistance: [email protected]

UMN SPH In-Person Basic

UMN SPH In-Person Basic Course Template N/A
UMN Duluth Recommended- contact the ITSS Course Design team for assistance UMD Template UMD Simple Canvas Course Template N/A
UMN Morris Recommended Canvas Course Template - Spring 2018 Morris UMN Morris Canvas Template Site N/A
HHH Contact Humphrey School Instructional Design Team for assistance Humphrey School: Canvas Site Template Humphrey School Canvas Template Site N/A

 

 

 

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