Canvas, Class Syllabus & Textbooks

Canvas access & course syllabus

Most courses utilize the web-based learning system Canvas. If you are new to Canvas or want a refresher, watch this six-minute video Getting Started in Canvas for Students and check out the helpful Student Guides.

In addition, before your course starts, we’ll give you access to an optional short training: "Cornell SCE Precollege Studies Orientation.” Here, you’ll be able to explore Canvas features, review orientation materials, and complete a virtual scavenger hunt.

Generally, your instructor will contact you about two days before your class starts at your Cornell email address (your NetID@cornell.edu) with instructions for accessing the course syllabus, lectures, assignments, tests, homework, and additional information on Canvas.

Note that your course's Canvas site will not open until a few days before your class start date. Be sure to check your emails from Cornell frequently for updates.

If you have trouble accessing Canvas, contact their support team.

Purchasing course textbooks & materials

To determine the textbooks and/or materials you need for your class

• Visit The Cornell Store website and search for your class number or title

• Check your class description for any additional required materials

Textbook orders for the summer open in mid-May. You will be required to make payment at the time you place the order. Note that it may take some time for the Cornell Store website to list your textbook information, so check back frequently.

If you have not purchased required materials in advance, you should visit The Cornell Store on the first day of class to buy your supplies.

Communicating with your instructor

To contact your instructor, click on the link for your course and locate the "Instructor" field.

Note the instructor's NetID (such as "ewe1") and send an email to this NetID followed by "@cornell.edu." For instance, in this example, your email would go to "ewe1@cornell.edu".

If an instructor is not listed, check back in a week or two for updates.

Instructor email information can also be located by searching for their name or NetID in the Cornell Directory.

When sending email messages to your instructor, please use your Cornell NetID email.