Creating a Canvas Account via Course Invitation

In an effort to prevent any potential security vulnerabilities, the Universities of Wisconsin (not Madison) is discontinuing the use of the self-registration feature. This feature gave anyone with a computer the ability to create an account in the Continuing Education Environment. Beginning in May 2026, any new Continuing Education students must be invited to join a course via email.

Creating Your Account

  1. Locate the course invitation email.  The message will be sent from the "Universities of Wisconsin Canvas" with the subject line "Course Invitation." 
  2. Click the "Getting Started" button contained in the email.
    Text of email with Getting Started Button at bottom of message

  3. If this is the first time you are taking a course click the Create My Account button. If you think you may already have a Canvas account click the I Have a Canvas Account button and follow the instructions for Logging into the Continuing Education Instance of Canvas.
    Canvas screen with buttons labeled I have a Canvas Account and Create My Account

  4. Enter a strong password in the space provided. Although there are no mandatory restrictions on passwords, here are some best practices for creating a secure password.
    • Aim for a minimum of 16 characters
    • Use Passphrase or 4 to 6 unrelated words (Example:HorsePurpleCatIsland)
    • Avoid personal details like a pet's name, birthday or address.
    • do not use dictionary words or predictable patterns like 1234
      fields for login which is automatically entered, password and time zone. Register button at bottom

  5. Click the Register button.
  6. You will be taken directly into your course.

Troubleshooting

If you do not receive an invitation email, it may be for one of the following reasons.

  • The email address was entered incorrectly, double check the email address with the course instructor/organizer.
  • The message was routed to a Spam/Other email inbox or folder.  Be sure to check these other locations.
  • Occasionally Canvas emails are caught in an organization's spam filter. This is especially true when addresses associated with a place of employment is used. Check with your organization's IT department and request they whitelist <notifications@instructure.com>.

Setting up your account

It is possible that your account was created with just your email address and not your name.  You are strongly encouraged to add your name to your account.

  1. Click the Account icon in the upper left corner of your screen.
    red arrow point at account icon which looks like a sillouette of a head.
     
  2. Click the Profile Link
  3. Enter your name in the space provided.
      Red arrow pointing at Name field
  4. If desired, add a profile image and complete other fields.
  5. Scroll to the bottom of the window and click Save Profile.
  6. Return to your class and get started!

Keywords:
Continuing Education, CE, Account creation, new account
Doc ID:
161934
Owned by:
Sarah B. in UWSA DLE
Created:
2026-06-12
Updated:
2026-06-12
Sites:
UW System Administration DLE