When you become an online student, there are a few things that you have to use your student ID number to login to. From SOAR to Canvas to Office 365, getting started might feel a little overwhelming at first! What is the difference between SOAR and Canvas? When do I use them and what do I find on each one?
The answers are actually pretty simple! All the online software that we use at Southern Miss is very user-friendly and has online support behind it in case something goes wrong. So, after you read the information below, you’ll be ready to conquer your online classes!
What are the differences between SOAR and Canvas?
SOAR:
SOAR stands for Southern’s Online Accessible Records. This is where you will complete numerous tasks including:
- Registering for classes
- Applying for financial aid
- Adding/changing mailing addresses and personal information
- Viewing grades
- Completing course evaluations
- Paying for classes/course fees
- Getting unofficial transcripts
To login to soar, go to info.usm.edu/soar and click the ‘Log In To SOAR’ button. You will use your CampusID login information (student ID, password) to login to SOAR.
Canvas:
Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) used by Southern Miss. To login to Canvas, you will go to usm.Instructure.com.
Canvas uses the same CampusID login information – w123456 – and password as SOAR.
Canvas is where you will complete the majority of your coursework! Assignments, tests, discussions, and participation are typically completed within Canvas.
You should also find your class material, assignments, and some communication within each class in Canvas!
Canvas also has a mobile app. The Canvas by Instructure app is the mobile version of Canvas that helps you stay current with your courses anywhere you go. Download the Canvas by Instructure app on Android and iOS devices.
What do I do on SOAR and Canvas?
SOAR is kind of like your online profile for your time at Southern Miss. You’ll do all your big-picture technical things in SOAR like register for classes and pay for classes/course fees.
Canvas is your day-to-day tool. It’s where you will access those classes that you registered for in SOAR. You will communicate with your classmates in Canvas and turn in assignments.
We hope you found this information helpful! If you have any more questions about what you’ll be doing and the online software that you’ll be using during your time as an online student, feel free to email us at online@usm.edu!
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