NAU Canvas Login: A Quick Guide

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In today’s digital learning environment, universities and educational institutions rely on user-friendly platforms to provide students and faculty with seamless access to courses, assignments, and resources. For Northern Arizona University (NAU) students, the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) is a crucial tool that facilitates online learning and communication between instructors and students. Whether you are a new student trying to get familiar with NAU Canvas or a faculty member looking to streamline course management, this guide is here to help.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about NAU Canvas login and usage. From creating your account to troubleshooting common issues, we’ve got you covered.

What is NAU Canvas?

Canvas is a widely used Learning Management System (LMS) adopted by many educational institutions worldwide, including Northern Arizona University (NAU). It allows students and teachers to collaborate, submit assignments, access course materials, and engage in interactive discussions—all in one platform.

NAU Canvas is specifically tailored to meet the needs of NAU students and faculty, offering a comprehensive virtual classroom experience that enhances the learning process. Whether you’re attending in-person, hybrid, or fully online classes, Canvas is a vital resource for managing your academic progress.

How to Access the NAU Canvas Login Page

Before you can dive into the world of online courses, the first step is logging into the NAU Canvas platform. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the NAU Canvas Login Page

The quickest way to access NAU Canvas is by visiting the NAU Canvas login page. Open your web browser and type in the URL: https://canvas.nau.edu.

Alternatively, you can also navigate to the NAU Student Resources page and click the Canvas link from there.

Step 2: Enter Your NAU Credentials

Once you’re on the login page, you’ll need to enter your NAU credentials. These include your NAU User ID (typically your LOUIE username) and your password.

  • NAU User ID: This is the same username you use for other NAU services, like LOUIE and your NAU email.
  • Password: Enter the password associated with your NAU account. If you’ve forgotten your password, click on the “Forgot Password” link to reset it.

Step 3: Click “Log In”

After entering your credentials, click the “Log In” button. If you’ve entered the correct information, you’ll be directed to your Canvas dashboard.

Once logged in, you’ll arrive at the Canvas dashboard. This is your command center for all things related to your courses. The dashboard is user-friendly and organized to help you manage your time and tasks efficiently. Here’s what you’ll find:

1. Course Cards

Each of your enrolled courses will appear as a card on your dashboard. These course cards provide quick access to:

  • Announcements
  • Assignments
  • Discussions
  • Grades

Click on any course card to enter that specific course and view the syllabus, upcoming deadlines, and other materials.

2. Global Navigation Menu

Located on the left-hand side of your dashboard, the global navigation menu provides links to the following key areas:

  • Dashboard: This brings you back to the main page, where you will see your course cards.
  • Account: Personalize your settings, change your profile picture, or update your notification preferences.
  • Courses: Quickly access all your current and past courses.
  • Calendar: Keep track of assignment deadlines, exams, and upcoming events.
  • Inbox: Canvas’s internal messaging system for communicating with instructors and classmates.

3. To-Do List

On the right side of the dashboard, you’ll see a “To-Do” list that keeps track of all upcoming assignments, quizzes, and exams. This feature helps you stay on top of your deadlines and manage your workload efficiently.

Submitting Assignments and Viewing Grades on NAU Canvas

One of the primary uses of NAU Canvas is submitting assignments and tracking your academic progress. Here’s how to submit your assignments and view your grades:

Submitting Assignments

  1. Navigate to Your Course: Select the course in which the assignment is due by clicking on the respective course card.
  2. Go to the Assignments Tab: In the course navigation menu on the left, click on “Assignments.”
  3. Find the Assignment: Choose the assignment you want to submit, then click on it to view the details.
  4. Submit Assignment: Follow the instructions provided by your instructor, then click the “Submit Assignment” button. You can usually upload documents, enter text, or submit links, depending on the assignment requirements.

Viewing Grades

To check your grades, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Course: Click on the course card of the class whose grades you want to view.
  2. Click on Grades: In the left-hand menu, click “Grades” to see your assignment scores and overall course progress.
  3. View Feedback: For many assignments, instructors provide feedback. Be sure to check this section to understand areas of improvement or corrections.

Using the NAU Canvas Mobile App

For students and faculty members on the go, the Canvas mobile app is a convenient way to stay connected. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access course materials, submit assignments, and even participate in discussions—right from their smartphones.

1. How to Download the App

  • For iOS: Go to the App Store and search for “Canvas Student.”
  • For Android: Visit the Google Play Store and look for “Canvas Student.”

After downloading the app, search for “Northern Arizona University” in the search bar to connect the app to your NAU account.

2. Logging in on Mobile

Once you’ve connected the app to NAU, use your NAU credentials to log in—just like you would on a desktop. The app provides an intuitive interface, similar to the desktop version, with access to course materials, grades, assignments, and more.

3. Staying Updated with Push Notifications

The app allows you to enable push notifications for important updates, such as assignment deadlines or announcements from your professors. This ensures that you never miss a critical update while you’re on the move.

Troubleshooting Common NAU Canvas Login Issues

Sometimes, you may face issues logging into NAU Canvas. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

1. Forgotten Password

If you’ve forgotten your NAU password, you can easily reset it by clicking the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. Follow the instructions to receive a reset link via email.

2. Browser Issues

Ensure that you’re using an up-to-date web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge). Sometimes, clearing your browser cache or using a different browser can resolve login issues.

3. NAU Systems Down

If none of the above works, it could be that NAU systems are temporarily down for maintenance. Check the NAU IT Services Status page to see if there are any ongoing issues affecting access to Canvas.

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Final Thoughts: Why NAU Canvas is Essential for Students

In today’s fast-paced academic world, having an effective, easy-to-use Learning Management System is vital for success. NAU Canvas brings all the essential tools—assignments, grades, communication, and resources—into one platform, empowering both students and teachers to focus on what matters: learning.

Whether you’re accessing Canvas from your desktop or mobile device, this platform makes managing coursework seamless and efficient. By familiarizing yourself with its various features, you’ll find that NAU Canvas is more than just a platform—it’s a tool that enhances your learning experience and helps you achieve your academic goals.


Ready to access your courses? Log in to NAU Canvas today and start exploring everything it has to offer!

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