Canvas: How do I unlink or delete an assignment?
This article is intended only for customers and partners using Canvas. Our Canvas integration is available for schools and districts who purchase a School Essentials PRO package.
Unlinking vs. Deleting an Assignment
Unlinking removes the connection between CommonLit and Canvas but keeps the assignment intact in both places, while deleting the assignment in CommonLit removes it entirely from CommonLit. For example, if you linked the assignment to the wrong class in Canvas, unlinking and relinking is easier than deleting the assignment and starting over.
Unlinking Assignments
When you delete a CommonLit assignment on Canvas, that does not delete the assignment on CommonLit. As a result, you may receive an error that the assignment is already assigned because it still exists in CommonLit.
If you'd rather keep the assignment and just link it elsewhere, follow the unlinking steps below instead of deleting it.
To unlink a CommonLit assignment that you have linked to Canvas:
- Click My Classes in the menu on the left.
- Go to the All Assignments tab for a class and locate the assignment you wish to unlink.
- On the Assignment Dashboard page, click the Unlink Canvas button.
Once unlinked, you can re-link the CommonLit assignment to a new assignment on Canvas.
Please note: Unlinking the CommonLit assignment will not automatically delete the previously-linked assignment in Canvas. As a result, you and your students may see duplicate assignments on Canvas.
Deleting Assignments
If you would like to reassign a brand new assignment – for example, students haven't started the original assignment yet and you want to change the assessment options – go to the Assignment Dashboard page. Then, click the trash can icon under the assignment’s name to delete it.
Once you've deleted the assignment, you will be able to reassign it to your class. Keep in mind that deleting the assignment in CommonLit does not delete it in Canvas, so you'll also want to remove and reassign the assignment in Canvas or update the corresponding assignment on the Canvas side to link to the newly created assignment in CommonLit.