how to unhide grades in canvas

3 min read 05-02-2025

Meta Description: Frustrated with hidden grades in your Canvas course? This comprehensive guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to unhide grades in Canvas, along with troubleshooting tips for common issues. Learn how to access your grades quickly and easily! (158 characters)

Canvas, the popular learning management system, sometimes hides grades from students. This can be frustrating, especially when you want to check your progress. Fortunately, unhiding grades is usually a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through how to unhide grades in Canvas, regardless of whether your instructor has hidden them at the course level or for individual assignments.

Understanding Why Grades Might Be Hidden

Before we dive into how to unhide grades, let's briefly explore why your instructor might have hidden them in the first place. Common reasons include:

Grade Release Schedule: Instructors might stagger grade releases to manage workload or provide feedback before releasing scores.
Incomplete Assignments: Grades may be hidden until all assignments are submitted.
Instructor Preference: Some instructors simply prefer to release grades at specific times.

How to Unhide Grades in Canvas: Step-by-Step Instructions

The method for unhiding grades in Canvas varies slightly depending on whether the instructor has hidden grades at the course level or only for specific assignments.

1. Checking for Course-Level Grade Hiding

First, verify if grades are hidden at the course level. Here's how:

Log in: Access your Canvas account and navigate to the course in question.
Grades Tab: Click on the "Grades" tab in the course navigation menu.
Hidden Grades Indication: Look for any message indicating that grades are hidden by the instructor. This message will typically state something like "Grades are currently hidden by the instructor." If you see this message, the following steps may be needed.

If no such message appears, your grades are likely hidden only for individual assignments, and you should proceed directly to section 2.

2. Unhiding Individual Assignment Grades

If the course-level grades are not hidden, but individual assignment grades are still not visible, the instructor likely hasn't released them yet. There's nothing you can do to unhide them other than to:

Check the Assignment: Go to the specific assignment page. The assignment instructions usually indicate when the grades will be released.
Contact your Instructor: If the due date has passed and the grade is still hidden, contact your instructor to inquire about the grade release.

3. Addressing Hidden Grades at the Course Level (If Applicable)

If you have confirmed that grades are hidden at the course level, unfortunately, there’s nothing you, as a student, can do to directly unhide them. The only solution is to:

Contact your Instructor: Reach out to your instructor to inquire about when they plan to release the grades. Explain that you need access to your grades to monitor your progress.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Canvas is not updating: Sometimes, Canvas may take a few minutes to refresh and update grades. Try refreshing your browser or logging out and back in.
Incorrect Course: Ensure you're looking at the correct course in Canvas. It's easy to accidentally access the wrong course.
Technical Difficulties: If you're experiencing consistent issues accessing grades, contact your institution's IT support or your instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why are my grades hidden in Canvas?

A: Instructors may hide grades for several reasons, including managing workloads, providing feedback before releasing scores, or releasing grades on a specific schedule.

Q: Can I unhide my own grades in Canvas?

A: No. The ability to unhide grades is controlled by the instructor. If grades are hidden at a course level, there is no way for the student to unhide them.

Q: What should I do if my grades are still hidden after contacting my instructor?

A: If you've contacted your instructor and the issue persists, contact your institution's IT support or student services for assistance.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to access your grades in Canvas with minimal difficulty. Remember, patience and communication with your instructor are key. If you're still experiencing problems, don't hesitate to reach out for help.