Customize Canvas and Email

Step 1: Add a Profile Pic and Contact Method

Update your profile to include a picture and possibly another contact method. See this Canvas Orientation video Links to an external site. for assistance.

Adding a profile picture will help me put a face with a name so that I can get to know you more easily.
By default, all notifications that you subscribe to will be sent via email to your UNA Portal email address. If you would like to add an additional contact method (such as a cell phone number) then you could have notifications texted to you, if you prefer. Don't worry, your instructor cannot see any personal information you add, such as a personal email or cell phone number. Only Canvas can see that information.

Step 2: Subscribe to Notifications

Update your notification preferences to ensure you receive notifications from your instructor in a timely manner. See this Canvas orientation video Links to an external site. for assistance. At a minimum, you should have the following preferences set.

Due Date - set to "Notify immediately"
Announcement - set to "Notify immediately"
Discussion - set to "Notify immediately"
Discussion Post - set to "Notify immediately"
Added to Conversation - set to "Notify immediately"
Conversation Message - set to "Notify immediately"

Step 3: Set up UNA Portal Email on your Smart Phone (optional)

Another excellent way to ensure you always receive important University and course notifications is to set up your UNA Portal email on your Smart Phone Links to an external site..

Step 4: Install the Canvas App on your Mobile Device (optional)

You can even check your Canvas courses on your mobile device! Go to your App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) and search for "Canvas by Instructure." Then do the following:

Open the app.
Press Yes to allow push notifications.
Type "UNA" in the Find Your School box and then select University of North Alabama from the list.
Type in your UNA Portal username and password and press Login.
Now just look around inside the app to learn how to navigate (it is very easy to use).