Canvas Catalog FAQ

This resource answers common questions about using Canvas Catalog and is intended for participating departments, instructors, and Catalog administrators.

If you need additional assistance, start with your department’s Canvas Catalog support contact. Canvas Catalog administrators can contact the ITS Service Center at 734-764-HELP (4357) or [email protected] for technical assistance.

Who can request a Canvas Catalog?

Canvas Catalog is available as a platform to U-M academic departments and administrative units.

What types of courses can be offered on Canvas Catalog?

Canvas Catalog is ideal for:

  • Professional development courses with optional certificates of completion.
  • Workshops and training programs
  • Continuing education offerings
How do learners enroll in our courses?

Learners can self-enroll through a course listing made available via a direct link or via the the catalog storefront.

Can I offer fee-based courses?

Both free and fee-based course registrations are supported.

What are the accessibility requirements for courses on Canvas Catalog?

All courses must comply with U-M’s accessibility standards and policies:  https://accessibility.umich.edu/contact-services/canvas-accessibility

Is there a cost for a U-M department or unit to use Canvas Catalog

Yes. Canvas Catalog has an annual flat fee. Service pricing is reviewed annually and may change based on vendor licensing fees, service costs, and the number of participating units. Participating units will be notified of any pricing changes before the start of the applicable service period.

Does ITS T&L provide Catalog instructional design services?

ITS T&L does not create or assist with course design. Participating departments are responsible for designing and developing their course content and resources such as Cidi Labs DesignPLUS, are available to help organize, format, and enhance Canvas course content.

Can SCORM packages (e.g. Articulate) be used with Canvas Catalog?

SCORM packages are supported in Canvas, but they can pose challenges with progress tracking, reporting, and accessibility. You may want to consider these potential issues and explore workarounds or alternatives.

Can a course from Academic Canvas be imported into Canvas Catalog?

Yes, a downloaded course export can be imported into Canvas Catalog.

What External Tools/Learning Tools Interoperability (LTIs) can I use with Canvas Catalog?

While Canvas Catalog does not include all of the integrations available in the Academic Canvas instance, it does support a variety of external tools and integrations that enhance course functionality. Some of the tools currently available in Canvas Catalog include:

  • Annoto – Video collaboration and annotation tool.
  • Cidi Labs DesignPlus - A course design tool.
  • Google Drive – Embed and share Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
  • Kaltura/MiVideo – Media hosting and streaming for instructional content.
  • Panorama - Accessibility tool used to assist with making content accessible.
  • Perusall – Social annotation tool for interactive reading and discussions.
  • Qualtrics Connector for Canvas – Integrate surveys and feedback tools.
  • Zoom – Enable virtual meetings and webinars directly within Canvas.

Requests to add new LTIs to Canvas must go through the following process. Please see the External Tool (LTI) Request Form for more information.