Summary
The Course Information Matrix (CIM) lets students preview shared course content, such as descriptions, syllabi, assignments, and grade weighting, to make informed registration decisions. Instructors can voluntarily share materials from Canvas and manage what content is visible at any time.
Body
The Wayne State University Course Information Matrix (CIM) is an online resource that allows students to search through information about past sections of a course to help them decide which classes to register for in the future. Instructors are empowered to share only the materials they feel properly represent their course and that they are comfortable with being available to all students.
For students
How to use the CIM
Step 1
Go to cim.apps.wayne.edu and log in with your AccessID and password. Use the search field and sorting tools to locate a course.
Step 2
Click on the View Shared Content link for a course. Use the tabs on the left to choose the term. Use the tabs at the top to browse within the course.
What you can view
The CIM provides access to the following course materials when shared by instructors.
- Course description: Text descriptions provided by instructors about their course
- Course summary: Complete list of all assignments and course activities
- Grade weighting: Breakdown of each assignment group and its contribution to the final grade
- Modules list: Names of modules in the Canvas course (does not include access to files or media within modules)
- Syllabus: Complete syllabus content from the Canvas course
Benefits
- Make informed registration decisions by previewing course content
- Compare different instructors' approaches to the same course
- Understand assignment types and grade distributions before enrolling
- Review course expectations and policies in advance
For instructors
How to share content
Step 1
Go to cim.apps.wayne.edu and log in with your AccessID and password.
Step 2
Choose a term from the list. Choose a course. Choose which items you would like to share with students.
Step 3
Click Submit.
Content areas available for sharing
All shared content comes directly from your Canvas course.
- Course description: Canvas Course > Course Menu > Settings > Course Details
- Course summary (including assignment names): Canvas Course > Course Menu > Syllabus (scroll down below syllabus content)
- Grade weighting: Canvas Course > Course Menu > Syllabus (displays on right-hand side)
- Modules list: Canvas Course > Course Menu > Modules
- Syllabus: Canvas Course > Course Menu > Syllabus
Managing your shared content
- Adding Materials: Simply log in, select your course, check the items you wish to share, and click Submit.
- Removing Materials: Log in, locate your course, un-check any items you no longer wish to share, and click Submit.
FAQs
This is an FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Course Information Matrix.
Are instructors required to use the Course Information Matrix?
No, instructors are encouraged to add materials to the Course Information Matrix because this information is valuable to students during the registration process. However, participation is completely voluntary.
Can instructors remove materials from the Course Information Matrix?
Yes, instructors may remove items from the CIM at any time. Simply log in, locate the specified course, un-check any items you no longer wish to share, and click submit
Why can't I find a course in the Course Information Matrix?
Instructors are not required to add materials to the Course Information Matrix. If you are unable to locate a course in the database, the instructor has not provided materials. We recommend reaching out to the instructor directly with questions about the course content.
What should I do if I can't find the course information I need?
Since instructor participation is voluntary, not all courses will have materials available in the CIM. If you cannot find information about a specific course or section, consider:
- Contacting the instructor directly via email
- Checking the course catalog for basic course descriptions
- Asking academic advisors for guidance about course selection