What you need to know as a student
Canvas Baseline Practices (CBP) began as part of the University’s Curriculum Framework Transformation initiative. It was co-developed by students, AUSA, and the Learning Design team to enhance the online learning experience for everyone. CBP ensures that every Canvas course you take at Waipapa Taumata Rau is clear, consistent, and supportive, so you can focus on learning, not on figuring out where things are.
What CBP Means for You
When your course follows CBP, you should expect to see:
- A clear home page that tells you what the course is, how to get started, and where to find support.
- Well-organised modules with consistent names, making it easy to find lecture notes, activities, and assessments.
- Orientation information, including contact details for your teaching team, links to student support, and an introduction to your class representative.
- Assessments published in advance with clear instructions, dates, and marking criteria.
- Accessible and inclusive materials, with captions, transcripts, and compliant resources.
Your Voice Matters
If your course isn’t meeting these expectations, you are empowered to ask for better.
- Start with your class rep – they are your first point of contact and represent your voice.
- Raise it with your teaching team if needed.
- Escalate through the Class Reps system to the SSCC (Staff–Student Consultative Committee) or the AUSA team for additional support.
CBP was created with input from students like you, working alongside AUSA and the University’s Learning Design team. It is about fairness, consistency, and quality, ensuring every student has a positive, equitable learning experience.
Remember, you deserve courses that meet the CBP standards. Speak up if you’re not getting them, your voice helps improve the learning environment for everyone.
Explore the CBP Framework & Exemplars
Want to see what “good” looks like? Visit the CBP Miro Board to explore the framework in action:
- A visual overview of the CBP standards.
- Real examples from courses across the University.
- Inspiration for what you can expect in your own courses.
