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 may not open until the first day of class. Be sure to check your Cornell email frequently for updates from Cornell faculty and staff.

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

Purchasing course textbooks & materials

Please begin by reviewing your course syllabus to determine if textbooks or other course materials are required. You can find your course syllabus on your course Canvas site.

If your course requires an eTextbook, please note the textbook name, author's name, ISBN (if provided), publisher, and edition. Then visit The Cornell Store to purchase your eTextbooks.

You’ll have several purchase/rental options (e.g., 180 days, one year, lifetime).

Check your class description for any additional required materials.

How to contact your instructor

Find your class page on the University course roster

Locate the instructors name and hover over their name and their NetID will appear.

Note the instructor's NetID (such as "ewe1") and use that NetID followed by "@cornell.edu" to send an email. 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.

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