Linking Cengage to Canvas

Table of Contents 

• Introduction 
• Solution Steps 
• Common Issues & Troubleshooting 
• Additional Resources / Related Articles 
• Contact / Escalation Information

Introduction 

This solution explains how instructors can link Cengage course materials to their Canvas course using the Cengage external tool integration (LTI). Integrating Cengage allows instructors and students to access digital textbooks, assignments, quizzes, and learning activities directly within Canvas. Grades from Cengage activities can also sync automatically to the Canvas Gradebook. 

This should be used when a course requires Cengage digital materials, homework platforms, or online courseware that needs to connect with Canvas. Linking Cengage ensures students can launch learning activities directly within the Canvas course and allows assignment grades to sync automatically to the Canvas Gradebook. 

This is for instructors who are using Cengage learning materials (such as MindTap, WebAssign, or Cengage Unlimited content) and want students to access course content directly through Canvas without needing separate logins. 

Before linking Cengage to Canvas, the following requirements should be met: 

• The Cengage tool must be enabled within Canvas  
• The instructor must have an active Cengage instructor account  
• The correct Cengage course materials must be selected  
• The Canvas course must be available to the instructor  
• The instructor must have permission to add external tools  

If the Cengage tool is not visible in the course, contact the Learning Technologies – Kean IT team by placing a request at helpdesk.kean.edu under Applications & Software for assistance. 

Solution Steps: How to Link Cengage to Canvas 

Step 1: Access Your Canvas Course 

1. Log into Canvas.  
2. Select the course where Cengage content will be used.  

Step 2: Add the Cengage Tool 

Cengage may appear in one of the following locations: 

1. Option A: Course Navigation Menu 

   1. Locate Cengage in the course navigation menu.  
   2. Click the Cengage link.  

2. Option B: Modules

   1. Go to Modules.  
   2. Click the + (plus icon).  
   3. From the dropdown menu, select External Tool.  
   4. Choose Cengage from the list.  
   5. Click Add Item.  

Step 3: Connect Your Cengage Account 

1. If prompted, sign in using your Cengage instructor credentials.  
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to locate your course materials.  
3. Select the appropriate textbook or course package.  

Step 4: Pair Your Cengage Course with Canvas 

1. Confirm the correct Cengage course is selected.  
2. Complete the pairing process.  
3. Your Cengage content and assignments will now be available within Canvas.  

Step 5: Verify Gradebook Sync 

1. Create or link at least one Cengage assignment.  
2. Go to Grades in Canvas.  
3. Confirm a new grade column has been created.  
4. Submit a test assignment if possible to verify that grades sync correctly. 

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Cengage is not visible in the course navigation 

• Check Settings → Navigation to ensure Cengage is enabled.  
• Contact IT if the tool is not available.  

Unable to sign in to Cengage 

• Confirm you are using the correct Cengage instructor account.  
• Try clearing browser cache or using another browser.  

Grades are not syncing to Canvas 

• Ensure assignments were added through the Canvas integration.  
• Confirm the correct Cengage course was selected during pairing.  

Students receive an error when accessing Cengage 

• Confirm students are launching Cengage through Canvas.  
• Verify the course pairing is complete.  

Duplicate or incorrect course selected 

• Confirm the correct course section was chosen during setup.

Additional Resources / Related Articles 

• Cengage: Canvas Integration Guide:
  https://help.cengage.com/integration/canvas/  
• Cengage MindTap with Canvas 
  https://help.cengage.com/mindtap/instructor/  

Contact / Escalation Information 

If you encounter issues linking Cengage with Canvas, or if the navigation settings are not saving or behaving as expected, you may contact the Kean Canvas Learning Technologies Support Team for assistance.   

Please submit a support request through the IT Help Desk portal using the Canvas support catalog. When submitting a ticket, include the following information to help expedite troubleshooting:   

• Course Name and Course ID (Example: 2026SP*BIO*1000*01)   
• A brief description of the issue   
• Screenshots of the issue (if available)   
• The specific tool or link in question that you are trying to access   

If the issue involves permissions, locked navigation items, or course template restrictions, the request may need to be reviewed by the Learning Technologies Management Team.   

For urgent issues affecting active courses, you may also contact the IT Help Desk directly:   

• Help Desk Website: helpdesk.kean.edu/support/home   
• Phone: 908-737-6000   
• 24/7 Canvas Support can be found by clicking on Help in the Global Navigation section and clicking Chat with Canvas Support (Faculty). They can also be reached via Hotline at 855-781-8511.   

The support team will review the request and assist with troubleshooting, permissions, or configuration changes as needed.