How to update student name in Roster

[MarqHardon]

Is there a way to update a student's name on the Roster/People View of the course? 

Context: I use a Free For Teachers account. When I uploaded the roster, I used the student's email address. For some reason, once they were logged in, their names are displayed as a series of numbers and letters. This is across multiple pages. Please see screenshot for details. Thank you, Canvas Gawds!

[chriscas · Accepted solution]

Hi @MarqHardon,

Unfortunately, I don't think teachers have any control over of names in the free-for-teacher Canvas instance (Canvas usually limits this functionality to administrators by design).  I believe you'd need to have each of your students go to their own account -> settings area and change their name on their own at this point, as support options with the free-for-teacher instance are somewhat limited in a scenario like this.  Someone else can chime in if I'm wrong about this though.

-Chris

[chriscas · Accepted solution]

Hi @MarqHardon,

Unfortunately, I don't think teachers have any control over of names in the free-for-teacher Canvas instance (Canvas usually limits this functionality to administrators by design).  I believe you'd need to have each of your students go to their own account -> settings area and change their name on their own at this point, as support options with the free-for-teacher instance are somewhat limited in a scenario like this.  Someone else can chime in if I'm wrong about this though.

-Chris

[MarqHardon]

Thanks for your response Chris! 

I was thinking of the same solution. I've asked students to update their names and for the ones that have, the name updates on their profile, but not on the roster itself. I was hoping I was wrong about the limitations of the version of Canvas we use, but thank you for affirming the sneaky suspicion I already had. 

[chriscas]

Hi @MarqHardon,

could you confirm what domain (something.instructure.com) you're using to access Canvas?  I just tried changing my name on my own free-for-teacher Canvas account, and it updated on the roster as well as my profile.  There might be something else going on in your case but I'd like to confirm which free environment you're on from the domain name.

-Chris

[MarqHardon]

Disregard my last message! I believe you and Noah are correct. Twas merely a user error! 
I made a 'student account' for myself to test the name change in real time, and it worked! Thank you both! I'll inform the student who misunderstood the directions. Ya'll have a great day!

[NoahBoswell · Accepted solution]

Hi there @MarqHardon ,

Thank you for posting on the Instructure Community!

In free for teacher, the only person that can change the name of your student's account is your student that has access to the account. Account Admin permissions are required to edit the user details of other users, and since free for teacher does not provide you with access to admin permissions, you will need your student to edit their name for you. You can also reach out to Canvas Support, however for a simple matter like this, I don't find that necessary.

Upon your student updating their name via their account settings, the name will be updated automatically on your roster. I recommend checking out this link for more assistance, if needed https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Troubleshooting/Updating-my-displayed-name-in-Canvas/ta-p/853

Best,
Noah

[MarqBH]

Thanks Noah! Please see my response to Chris above. I will attempt the steps you both have offered again, however. Tech can be fickle, as you both know. I'll update you on my success...or lack thereof! I appreciate ya.

[MarqHardon]

Disregard my last message, Noah! I believe you and Chris are correct. Twas merely a user error! 
I made a 'student account' for myself to test the name change in real time, and it worked! Thank you both! I'll inform the student who misunderstood the directions. Ya'll have a great day!