There are three ways to add your syllabus to your CourseWorks (Canvas) site.
Import Syllabus as a File
Some instructors may already have created their syllabus as a separate document (word, pdf, etc.) and uploading a syllabus document via course FILES might be the easiest option. Students can access the syllabus from the files tab and/or instructors can link to the syllabus file from anywhere within their course.
For step-by-step instructions please see “How Do I Upload a file in Files?”
Post Syllabus information onto a Page
Instructors may want to cut/paste content (or create content from scratch) within a content PAGE or pages. Like Files, students can access the syllabus from the Pages tab and/or instructors can link to the syllabus page from anywhere within their course. You can also link to the syllabus file from a page, and you can set this page as the homepage of your course.
For step-by-step instructions please see “How Do I Create A New Page in A Course?” and “How Do I Change the Course Homepage?”
Use the Syllabus Tool
Canvas has a syllabus tool located in the left-hand navigation. It combines the best of both options. You can create content in the description section (similar to adding content to a page) and also link to the full syllabus file and other content pages. In addition, the syllabus tool aggregates and lists all course assignments and events in chronological order for students to view. You can turn this function off if you’d prefer.
Please see the start of this video for an overview of these options:
https://youtu.be/j_cpxS6OBrg?si=fGl2W4GCRIHLPCod&t=53
You can also display the syllabus in the course catalog
You can display your syllabus in Vergil, the Columbia Course Catalog, if you use the Syllabus Tool to add your syllabus to your CourseWorks site. To display your syllabus in Vergil do the following:
- Go to the Settings menu within the course
- Scroll down to “Visibility.”
- Underneath “Visibility,” check the box for “Customize,” and select “Public” as the option for Syllabus.
- Scroll all the way down and click “Update Course Details.”
last updated: 08/01/25