Canvas: Non-Academic Course Options

Summary

Non-academic courses in Canvas are spaces created outside of standard academic instruction. They are intended to support course development, student organizations, and faculty/staff initiatives rather than delivering graded academic coursework.

All non-academic courses are manually created and vetted to ensure appropriate use of Canvas resources.

Content

Non-Academic Courses in Canvas (USNH)

Overview

What Are Non-Academic Courses?

Non-academic courses are Canvas sites used for:

  • Course development and experimentation
  • Student-led organizational activities
  • Faculty and staff collaboration or resource sharing

Because Canvas is primarily an academic platform, all non-academic requests are reviewed to ensure they align with approved use cases.

Types of Non-Academic Courses

1. Sandboxes

Sandbox courses are intended for course development and training.

Key features:

  • Used by faculty or staff to build, test, or learn Canvas tools
  • Not intended for live student participation or organizational use

Request this type if you need to:

  • Design or revise a course
  • Practice using Canvas tools
  • Experiment with instructional content
2. Organizations

Organization courses support student-led groups and activities.

Examples include:

  • Student clubs
  • Fraternities and sororities
  • Athletic teams
  • Student government groups

Requirements:

  • Must be student-led
  • Must have at least one faculty or staff advisor/facilitator

Request this type if:

  • A student organization needs a collaborative space that leverages specific academic Canvas features
  • The group requires communication, scheduling, or content sharing
3. Resources

Resource courses are for faculty, staff, or institutional initiatives that are not student-led.

Examples include:

  • Departmental collaboration spaces
  • Training or informational hubs
  • Cross-campus initiatives

Important guidance:

  • These courses should not be used as simple file storage repositories
  • If your primary need is document sharing, you may be directed to:
    • SharePoint
    • The USNH Portal

Request this type if:

  • You need an interactive Canvas space with content, discussions, or structured materials
  • The course supports an ongoing program or initiative

Choosing the Right Option

Before submitting a request, consider the following:

Request Type Table

If you need… Request type
A place to build or test a course Sandbox
A space for a student-run organization Organization
A faculty/staff collaboration or resource hub Resource

Again, if your request is primarily for file storage or document sharing, Canvas may not be appropriate.

Request and Review Process

All non-academic course requests go through a review and vetting process:

  1. Submit your request using the Canvas Service Request 
  2. ATST (Academic Technology Support Team) reviews:
    • The intended use
    • The appropriate course type
  3. Evaluation outcome:
    • Approved and created
    • Adjusted to a more appropriate course type
    • Redirected to another tool (e.g., SharePoint or Portal)
    • Denied if it does not align with Canvas use

Important Notes

  • Canvas is academic-focused, and non-academic use is limited
  • Requests must demonstrate a clear need for Canvas functionality
  • ATST may recommend alternative tools if they better meet your needs
  • All courses are reviewed to ensure appropriate and effective use

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.  

 

 

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