Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I see my course materials in Canvas?

If you don’t see your course in Canvas, check the following:

1. You have received your course approval email.
2. You have created your SUNet ID.
3. It is less than 24 hours before the first class (teaching teams may not publish courses in Canvas until then).

If all of the above are true and you still cannot access your course, email stanfordonline-gradprograms@stanford.edu for assistance.

I can see my course, but I don't see any recordings?

• Lecture videos are available in Canvas under the Panopto Course Videos tab.
• If no recordings appear, confirm that the first class meeting has already taken place.
• Livestream links appear only a few minutes before class begins.
• Downloadable recordings are typically available 2–3 hours after class ends.
• If you cannot access the recordings or do not see the Panopto Course Videos tab in Canvas, email panoptohelp@stanford.edu for assistance.

Why can’t I access Ed Discussion or Gradescope?

If you can see your course in Canvas but do not have access to Ed Discussion or Gradescope, please contact your course teaching team directly.

How can I access my email?

Try accessing your email through Stanford Webmail.

If you continue to experience issues, please submit a help ticket for assistance.

How much space do downloaded lecture videos use?

Downloaded lecture videos vary in size depending on length, typically ranging from 700 MB to over 1 GB per file.

How can I improve video buffering issues?

Lecture videos use adaptive bitrate streaming, which detects your bandwidth and CPU capacity in real time to adjust video quality. This helps minimize buffering.

How do I clear my browser’s cache and cookies?

Note: This will clear cookies from all sites.

1. Select your browser from the list below and follow the instructions.
2. Exit or quit all browser windows.
3. Reopen the browser before accessing the site again.

If instructions for your browser or version are not listed, search your browser’s Help menu for “clear cache” or “clear cookies.”
Updating older browsers may also help resolve technical issues.

Clearing Cache and Cookies in Google Chrome

1. Click More (⋮) at the top-right corner of the browser.
2. Select More tools > Clear browsing data (or press Ctrl + Shift + Del).
3. Choose a time range at the top. To delete everything, select All time.
4. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
5. Click Clear data.

Firefox:

1. From the browser menu, select History > Clear Recent History (or press Ctrl + Shift + Del).
2. In the dialog, check Cookies and Cache only.
3. From the Time range to clear drop-down, select Everything.
4. Click Clear Now.

Safari:

1. Click the Safari menu and select Preferences, then go to the Advanced tab.
2. Check Show Develop menu in menu bar.
3. From the Develop menu, select Empty Caches
4. Go back to Safari > Preferences, then select the Privacy tab.
5. Click Manage Website Data under the Cookies and website data section.
6. Search for Stanford-related cookies (e.g., Canvas, scpd.stanford.edu) and click Remove or Remove All.
7. Click Done to save your changes.