Sections inherit course dates set for your entire institution. As a default, students have access to your Canvas course on the first day of classes only if you publish the course. If the course is unpublished, they do not have access to the course. However, as an instructor, you may need to change the start and end dates for a course section. Dates can be shorter than or overlap the course or term dates.

Quick Start: Adjust Start and End Dates

If you would like to grant students early access to your Canvas courses or extend their access after the semester ends, follow these instructions:

Go to the desired course and click on the Publish button (if you have not done so already).

Publish Course

In the Course Navigation Menu on the left, click on Settings.

Open Settings

Click on the Course Details tab.

Open Course Details

Click the Calendar icon [1] next to "Starts:" and select the date on the calendar [2] that you want students to begin accessing the course. Click on the Calendar icon next to "Ends:" and select the date you would like student access to end.

Make sure you give the course an end date or the course will be open indefinitely to students.

Set Course Start Date

Check the box next to "Users can only participate in the course between these dates".

Limit User Participation

Click the Update Course Details button. This will set your new selected dates for your course.

Update Course Details

🤿 Deeper Dive Guides

How do I change Start and End Dates for a course section?