Getting Started with the Canvas Inbox: A Student Guide

Learn how to effectively use the Canvas Inbox to communicate with your teachers, classmates, and paired Parent Observer. This guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to send messages, manage your inbox, and connect with your Parent Observer through Canvas.

Step 1: Accessing the Canvas Inbox

Log In to Canvas: Use your school’s Canvas link or app to log in with your student credentials.
Navigate to the Inbox: Once logged in, find the “Inbox” icon on the left-hand side of your dashboard. Click on this icon to open your Canvas Inbox.

Step 2: Sending Messages

Compose a New Message: In your Inbox, click on the “Compose a new message” icon (pencil icon) at the top of the page.
Select the Course: In the “Course” drop-down menu, choose the course you want to send a message about.
Choose the Recipient:
- To Your Teacher: Click on the “To” field and select “Teachers” to choose your teacher from the list.
- To Your Classmate: Select “Students” and choose the classmate you want to message.
- To Your Parent Observer: Scroll down to the “Observing” section and select your paired Parent Observer.
Write Your Message: Enter a subject in the “Subject” field and type your message in the “Message” box.
Attach Files (Optional): If needed, click on the paperclip icon to attach any files from your device.
Send the Message: Click the “Send” button to deliver your message.

Step 3: Managing Your Inbox

Check for Messages: Regularly check your Inbox for new messages from your teachers, classmates, or Parent Observer. Unread messages will be bolded.
Organize Your Messages:
- Star Important Messages: Click the star icon next to important messages to mark them for easy access later.
- Archive Old Messages: Once a conversation is no longer needed, you can archive it by clicking on the archive icon. This helps keep your Inbox organized.
Reply to Messages: Open any message and click “Reply” to respond directly within the thread.

Step 4: Communicating with Your Parent Observer

Locate Your Parent Observer: Your paired Parent Observer can be found in the “Observing” section when selecting a recipient for your message.
Send a Message: Use the steps outlined in Step 2 to send a message directly to your Parent Observer. This is a great way to keep them informed about your progress and ask for support.
First Message Requirement: To begin communicating with your Parent Observer, you need to send the initial Inbox message using the web-based version of Canvas (not the Canvas mobile app). Select the course you are enrolled in, then choose your Parent Observer from the recipient list. Once the initial message is sent, you and your Parent Observer can continue to send and receive messages through both the Canvas Inbox and the mobile app for the rest of the term.

Tips for Effective Use of the Canvas Inbox

Keep It Professional: Use appropriate language and tone when communicating with teachers, classmates, and your Parent Observer.
Stay Organized: Regularly check your Inbox and keep it organized to ensure you don’t miss any important messages.
Use Inbox for School-Related Communication: Remember that the Canvas Inbox should be used for school-related communication only.

For additional resources and support, check the How do I use the Inbox as a student?