Can I message students as an instructor if course is not published?

[RachelJudy]

I would like to message my students in a course that is not yet published. However, no names are showing up when I attempt to do so. Is this because the course is not published? Or another explanation? TIA.

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

@RachelJudy ...

You've correctly guessed why you are unable to see your students listed in the Inbox...because the course is not yet published.  Take a look at this Guide ... the third bullet point under the "Notes" within the light-blue box at the top of the page:

How do I send a message to all course users in the... - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)

Hope this will help a bit.

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

@RachelJudy ...

You've correctly guessed why you are unable to see your students listed in the Inbox...because the course is not yet published.  Take a look at this Guide ... the third bullet point under the "Notes" within the light-blue box at the top of the page:

How do I send a message to all course users in the... - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)

Hope this will help a bit.

[SusanNiemeyer · Accepted solution]

I would suggest sending out an email instead. If your institution uses SIS, you should be able to send out both mass and individual emails to your students. 

Canvas Inbox is limited only to published, active courses.