Georgia Tech Canvas: Secure Student & Faculty Portal Access

Georgia Tech Canvas serves as the official learning management system (LMS) at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This essential digital portal supports all teaching and learning activities for both residential and online courses across the institution. It offers a centralized platform for students, faculty, and staff to interact with academic content and tools. The platform was strategically adopted and fully implemented across Georgia Tech between Fall 2017 and Spring 2019, replacing previous systems to provide a more integrated and flexible educational environment. The Georgia Tech Digital Learning Team diligently manages the evaluation, design, development, and support of Canvas, ensuring it meets the dynamic needs of the university community.

Preparing Your Georgia Tech Digital Learning Space

• A valid GT Account and its corresponding Password.
• A registered device for Duo multi-factor authentication, which is mandatory for all Georgia Tech logins.
• The GlobalProtect VPN Client App (and Duo authentication) may be necessary for off-campus access to certain secure internal systems.

Navigating Your Secure Course Access Point

1. Direct your web browser to the official Georgia Tech Canvas login page at canvas.gatech.edu.
2. Enter your GT Account username and Password into the designated fields.
3. Complete the mandatory Duo two-factor authentication process. You will typically receive a push notification on your registered mobile device, or you may be prompted to enter a verification code.
4. Upon successful authentication, you will be directed to your personalized Canvas dashboard, where you can access your enrolled courses and academic information.

Unlocking the Academic Toolkit Within Canvas

• Comprehensive Course Access: Students can easily find course materials, submit assignments, engage in discussions, view grades, and receive important announcements.
• Instructor Management Tools: Faculty can efficiently deliver course content, communicate effectively with students, provide timely feedback, and manage all grading aspects.
• Draft State Functionality: Instructors can utilize a 'Draft State' for assignments, discussions, modules, pages, and quizzes, allowing content to be prepared and refined before being made visible to students.
• Mobile Accessibility: Dedicated Canvas Student and Canvas Teacher mobile applications enable users to manage and engage with their courses from any location, offering flexibility for learning and teaching on the go.
• Extensive Tool Integrations: Canvas supports integration with over a thousand external tools, providing instructors with the flexibility to customize and enhance their digital learning environments.
• Integrated Student Resources: A dedicated GT Student Resources site within Canvas offers quick access to vital support services, including mental health, academic assistance, career development, and emergency financial aid.
• On-Demand Training Portal: Users can access a comprehensive training portal directly through Canvas, offering a wealth of courses, videos, and live webinars to deepen their platform proficiency and earn certificates.

Regaining Access: When Canvas Presents a Challenge

Fortifying Your Digital Learning Environment

• 🔒 Mandatory Duo Authentication: Always use Duo for every login. Never share your Duo codes with anyone, even if they claim to be IT support. Deny any Duo Push you didn't initiate and report it as suspicious.
• 🔒 Strong, Unique Passwords: Create and use robust, distinct passwords for your GT Account. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple services to prevent account compromise.
• 🔒 Phishing Awareness: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts. Georgia Tech IT will never request your password or Duo codes via email, phone, or chat. Exercise caution with any suspicious links or unsolicited messages.
• 🔒 Understand Data Privacy: Be aware that all activity and data within Georgia Tech's systems, including Canvas, may be monitored, recorded, and disclosed in accordance with institutional policies.
• 🔒 Role-Based Access Control: Access to student information within Canvas is strictly managed by specific roles (Teacher, Student, TA) to comply with FERPA and institutional data security guidelines.
• 🔒 Regular Account Monitoring: Periodically review your account for any unusual activity. Promptly report anything that seems out of place to the Digital Learning Team.