Course Self-Enrollment: How do I Register for and Access my Canvas Course?

This article provides instructions on how to register for, and revisit your Canvas courses if you need to self-enroll in them. This article provides information for any student with an existing UWM username and password.

Join a Course using an Invite

When you are invited to join a course on Canvas, an email will be sent to you. You must accept the invitation.

  1. Navigate to your inbox
  2. Locate your email. The subject line should include the words, Course Invitation
  3. Open the email
  4. Select the Get Started button.
    Email Course Invite with student details as well as the Get Started button, which is highlighted.
  5. If you are not logged in, do so by entering your email address and password when prompted. Be sure to use the email address listed in your course invitation.
  6. Click the Login button.
  7. Accept the course invitation.

Alternatively, you may log in to Canvas directly, and accept the course invite on your dashboard. You can gain access to UWM's Canvas using your university login details.

Join a Course using a Self-Enrollment Link

If your instructor sends you a link, clicking it will take you to start the self-enrollment process.

Email link enrollment redirects to Canvas confirmation page

Example link: https://uws.instructure.com/enroll/KT7KAD

If you did not receive the email, check your email account's Spam folder. Your UWM login credentials should be used to log into Canvas and register for these courses. If you are not signed in, you may be prompted to do so.

Click the Forgot Password link if you need to reset your password. If you are experiencing issues while logging in, contact Canvas Support.

Join a Course Using Canvas Catalog

If your instructor sent a link to Canvas Catalog (Example: http://uwm.catalog.instructure.com/browse/sce/courses/012413), click the link to continue. Otherwise, follow these steps to find and enroll in a course through the catalog.

Log in to your Canvas Account

  1. Navigate to the university Canvas site, either through the university home page (Select Canvas under the Quicklinks dropdown) or directly through the UWM Canvas site.
  2. Enter your university email address and password.
  3. Click the Login button.
  4. Click on the Courses option from the global navigation menu, which is situated under the dashboard menu.

Browse the Canvas Catalog

  1. Click All Courses from the left navigation menu. You will see a list of all your past and current courses, if any.
  2. Click the Browse More Courses button at the top of the page.
  3. Browse through the list of available courses and click Join this Course if you want to enroll in it.
  4. You will receive a confirmation prompt. Click Enroll in Course to accept and join the course.

If you are still experiencing issues, contact Canvas Support. 

Accessing Your Course

Any Canvas course participant can login from the University Canvas site. Click the Login button and enter your UWM credentials to enter Canvas.

For Further Assistance

Contact Canvas Support by chat or call 414-251-5050.


Keywords:
canvas access login special link paws epantherid courses course register enroll join 
Doc ID:
144921
Owned by:
Lynn M. in Advancing Learning
Created:
2024-11-25
Updated:
2026-02-16
Sites:
UW-Milwaukee Center for Advancing Student Learning, UW-Milwaukee Help Desk