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Create a Non-Academic Canvas Course

Who Can Use This Tool?

This tool is available to VCU faculty and staff who meet the following criteria:

  • You must have an active VCU eID and password.
  • You must have at least one current or past enrollment as a Teacher (or other elevated role with similar permissions) in any VCU Canvas course.

If you do not meet these requirements, you may see an "Access Denied" message. If this is the case, contact VCU Learning Systems for support.

Non-Academic Course Creation Tool

Course Types

You will be presented with options for the type of non-academic course shell you wish to create.

Note: Each course type is limited to 250mb.

Click the button corresponding to your desired type:

  • Sandbox Course Shell: For testing Canvas features and familiarizing yourself with its functionalities. (Not to be used for student-facing instruction)
    • Limited to ONE per user
    • The word “Sandbox” will be pre-pended to the given course name. 
  • Training Course Shell: For developing and delivering non-credit training or instructional content.
  • Primary Course Template Shell: For creating and maintaining a master version of course content, not intended for student enrollment. (Not to be used for student-facing instruction)
    • Naming convention is specific: Primary - [SUBJ] - [CourseNum] - [Your Course Name/Description] - [Your eID] - [MM/YY] (e.g., Primary - BIOL - 101 - Intro to Biology - jdoe - 03/24).

You can find additional information about each course type by visiting the Non-academic Course Creation Knowledge Base Page.

Important Considerations

  • VCU Records Management: You are responsible for maintaining all records as required by VCU Records Management and any superseding precedent.
  • Records Ownership: More information on records ownership can be found here.
  • Canvas Data Retention: Specific policies for Canvas data retention are available here.
  • Data Storage: For guidance on where to store different types of data within VCU systems, consult the VCU Data Management System.
  • Audits: Non-academic course shells are subject to periodic audit by VCU.
  • Misuse: Using a non-academic shell for purposes against the provided guidelines and restrictions may result in suspension of access or removal of the course.