Canvas Shell Opening Schedule
Overview
This article explains when for-credit classes are imported from ctcLink into Canvas and when they become visible to faculty and students.
Important:
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Student enrollments do not appear in Canvas until 5 days before the quarter starts.
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Until then, Canvas will not show enrolled, dropped, or waitlisted students.
If faculty or staff need to check seat openings, enrollment counts, or waitlist status before students appear in Canvas, use the Class Schedule / Class Search page.
You can access it here:
Class Schedule / Class Search
(This redirects to the ctcLink Class Search page.)
How to use the Class Search tool:
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On the left-hand navigation bar, it defaults to Search Classes, where you can find seat availability and waitlist information.
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To see course descriptions or program information, select Course Catalog.
You can also open it directly here:
Course Catalog
When Canvas Shells Open
Faculty Access
Canvas shells open on the following schedule:
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Summer & Fall: First day of Spring quarter
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Winter: First day of Fall quarter
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Spring: First day of Winter quarter
Faculty access begins early so instructors can prepare course materials before students are added.
Student Access
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Students appear in Canvas and gain access 5 days before the quarter begins.
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Before this time, enrollments will not sync to Canvas.
Checking Enrollment Before Canvas Updates
To view seat availability, enrollment counts, or waitlists before Canvas updates:
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Open the Class Schedule / Class Search tool.
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On the left-hand navigation bar, confirm it is set to Search Classes.
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Enter the term, subject, or course number.
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(Optional) Select Show Open Classes Only.
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Select Search to view open/closed status, current enrollments, and waitlist counts.
If Your Canvas Shell Is Missing
If your Canvas shell isn’t visible when it should be, reach out to eLearning and/or submit a ticket via TeamDynamix:
Submit a Ticket in TeamDynamix
Include: