Skip to main content
Ask Capitol Knowledge Base

Welcome to our Support Portal. Search for answers using the search box below,
or create a support ticket if you cannot find your answer.

Tip: Start typing in the input box for immediate search results.

< All Topics
Print

How to Set Canvas Assignment Due Dates Efficiently

Posted
Updated

Overview

Adding due dates to assignments in Canvas ensures students receive timely reminders and that assignments appear in their To-Do lists, Canvas Calendar, and Course Summary. It also enables automatic grading policies and integration with the Gradebook. 

This guide walks you through setting, editing, and managing assignment due dates efficiently across your course. 

Estimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes depending on number of assignments 

Instructions

  1. Access the Assignments Area
  2. Set or Edit Assignment Due Dates Individually
    • Click the name of the assignment you want to update 
    • Click Edit 
    • Scroll to the Assign section at the bottom 
    • Set: 
      • Due Date: When the assignment is due 
      • Available From: When students can begin viewing the assignment 
      • Until: When the assignment is no longer accessible (optional) 
    • Click Save or Save & Publish
       
  3. Batch Edit Due Dates Using the Canvas Calendar
      • From your Canvas Dashboard or course navigation, click Calendar 
      • Find the assignment on the calendar 
      • Drag and drop the assignment to a new date 
        *This updates the due date automatically 
  1. Use Recurring Patterns Instead of Specific Dates
    • To simplify future updates and maintain consistency:
      • Use phrasing like “Due every Sunday by 11:59 PM ET” in your syllabus and instructions
      • Avoid specific calendar dates (e.g., February 12, 2025) in assignment instructions 
  1. Confirm Due Dates Appear for Students
    • Assignments with due dates will show in: 
      • The To-Do List on the student dashboard 
      • The Course Calendar 
      • The Course Summary on the syllabus page 
      • The Grades tab 

Students will also receive notifications (if enabled) when due dates are added or updated. 

Tips for Efficiency 

  • Use the Canvas Calendar to visually space out assignments 
  • Keep a consistent deadline time (e.g., Sunday 11:59 PM ET) across all assignments 
  • Avoid closing assignments too early—students may still want to review feedback after submission 

Troubleshooting

Issue 

Solution 

Students can’t see due dates 

Ensure the assignment is published and not locked 

Assignments missing from Calendar 

Only assignments with due dates appear—double check the “Assign” settings 

Date/time is showing in wrong timezone 

Canvas uses Eastern Time (ET) by default, but verify your personal Canvas settings under Account > Settings 

Still Need Help?

If you’re having trouble setting assignment dates or organizing your course schedule, reach out to the Online Learning team at ask@captechu.edu. 

Was this article helpful?
Please Share Your Feedback
How Can We Improve This Article?
Tags:
Table of Contents
Scroll to Top