Enrolling external users in your Canvas site

There are a variety of reasons why you may need to enroll an external to UMSystem user into your Canvas site. This article describes some common situations and the process to get them added to your site. If you see multiple options for a user example you may choose the route you take based on your needs.

Types of accounts

Cirrus identity

The external user creates an account using Cirrus identity.
Note: Cirrus accounts may not have Teacher access in Canvas.

Courtesy Account

Your departmental HR representative may create an mail-enabled Courtesy account for the user.
Note: All guests must meet the required FERPA and security guidelines prior to gaining access to Canvas.

Methods of adding the user

Canvas Request System (CRS)

How to add the user to your Canvas site using the CRS

Canvas

How to add the user to your Canvas site using Canvas

Examples

Guest Speaker in a registrar course

• Type of Account: Courtesy
• Method: Canvas Request System
• Level of Access: Any. You may add the user as an Observer or Course Coordinator using the CRS but for any other level of access you must get Registrar approval. Send the approval to the Academic Technologies team.

Student test account for instructors

Specific instructions for this process are located here.

• Type of Account: Cirrus
• Method: Canvas Request System 
• Level of Access: student

Access to any non-credit site

Examples include development or organization sites, including allowing access for a retired or graduated user

• Type of Account: Cirrus
• Method: Canvas
• Level of Access: student

or

• Type of Account: Courtesy
• Method: Canvas Request System  or Canvas
• Level of Access: Any

Accrediting agencies in a registrar course

• Type of Account: Courtesy
• Method: Canvas Request System 
• Level of Access: Any. You may add the user as an Observer or Course Coordinator using the CRS but for any other level of access you must get Registrar approval. Send the approval to the Academic Technologies team.

Professional reviewers

• Type of Account: Courtesy
• Method: Canvas Request System 
• Level of Access: Any. You may add the user as an Observer or Course Coordinator using the CRS but for any other level of access you must get Registrar approval. Send the approval to the Academic Technologies team.

Students and instructors from other institutions participating in study abroad programs 

• This type of guest account must be set up and approved via the registrar. Once the accounts are created send the information to the Academic Technologies team.