Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Canvas Support

Canvas Support / Canvas Instructor Guide / Cross-listing Documentation

Cross-listing Courses in Canvas

Overview

The Canvas Cross-Listing tool allows faculty to combine multiple course sections or designations into a single Canvas course. This tool is intended for instructors teaching multiple sections of the same course or for single classes under multiple subject codes, academic levels, or departments.  The cross-listing of the courses will help manage course content, assignments, announcements, and grades from one Canvas course while students remain enrolled in their original courses and sections.

Before you start, please note:

  • Only courses you have permission to manage will appear.
  • The Cross-listing tool is intended for use before course content has been added. If content has already been added to any of the courses you want to cross-list, the tool cannot reliably complete the process. In this case, please contact IT Services for assistance.
  • Once courses are cross-listed, the process may take up to 30 seconds to complete.
  • Before clicking “Cross-list Courses”, please verify that you have selected the correct course sections. 

Cross-listing Your Courses

Step 1: Open the Cross-listing Tool

  1.     Log in to Canvas.
  2.     From the Dashboard or Global Navigation, click Start a New Course in the right sidebar. 
  3.     On the next page, choose Cross-list Existing Courses. 

Step 2: Select the Term and Courses

  1.     Select the term containing the courses you would like to cross-list.
  2.     A list of available courses for cross-listing in the selected term will appear.
  3.     Select the course sections or designations you would like to combine. 
  4.     Confirm by selecting “I confirm that I have not added content to any of the selected courses”. If you're unsure, click “View Course” to verify the course does not contain content.
  5.     Click “Cross-list Courses”. 
  6.     If you have already added content to any of the selected courses, please contact IT Services instead for assistance. 

Step 3: Wait for Processing

A processing message appears while your request is being completed. Cross-listing typically takes about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Review the Results

When the process is complete, a Finished screen appears showing:

  •     Confirmation that your selected courses have been cross-listed into a single Canvas course
  •     A link to the newly created cross-listed course

Need to Make Changes or Need More Help?

If you selected the wrong courses, encounter any errors, or need any additional assistance after cross-listing, please contact IT Services by submitting a Canvas support request.