Student Quick Start Guide

This guide shows common tasks students can accomplish with Canvas MCP.

Setup

1. Install Canvas MCP following the README
2. Make sure your .env file has your Canvas API token
3. Restart your MCP client (e.g., Claude Desktop, Cursor, Zed, etc.)

Common Tasks

Check What's Due This Week

Just ask your AI assistant:

What assignments do I have due this week?

Your AI assistant will:

• List all upcoming assignments across all your courses
• Show due dates and times
• Indicate which ones you've already submitted

Track Your Grades

Show me my current grades in all my courses

Your AI assistant will provide:

• Current grade in each course
• Assignment-by-assignment breakdown
• What's missing or needs attention

Find Unsubmitted Work

What assignments haven't I submitted yet?

Perfect before deadlines! Shows everything you still need to complete.

Peer Review Management

What peer reviews do I need to complete?

Your AI assistant will:

• List all pending peer review assignments
• Show deadlines
• Tell you how many reviews you need to do for each

Course-Specific Questions

Show me everything due in BADM 350 this week

What's my current grade in CS 101?

Have I submitted all assignments for Biology 205?

Tips

• Be specific: Mention course names or codes when relevant
• Use natural language: Just ask like you would ask a friend
• Check regularly: Make it part of your weekly routine
• Privacy: The server runs locally, but tool results are sent to your configured AI client; review that provider's data policy

Common Workflows

Monday Morning Check-in

What's due this week across all my courses? Show me what I've completed and what's still pending.

Before Class

What assignments are due for MATH 221 this week?

End of Semester

Show me my final grades in all courses and any missing assignments

Troubleshooting

"I don't see my courses"

• Make sure your .env file is configured correctly
• Verify your Canvas API token is valid
• Try: canvas-mcp-server --test

"Some assignments are missing"

• Canvas MCP shows what's in Canvas - check with your professor if something seems off

Need help? Check the main documentation or open an issue.