WSU Guide

How To Submit A WSU Written Assignment

Published

24 hours ago

August 8, 2026

How To Submit A WSU Written Assignment. Submitting a written assignment at Washington State University (WSU) is usually simple when you know where to go and what to check before clicking the final submit button. WSU uses Canvas as its learning management system for courses, and students can access their course spaces through the WSU Canvas website using their WSU NID and password.

If you are submitting a written assignment for the first time, you may be unsure about where to find the assignment, which file format to use, or how to confirm that your work was submitted successfully. This guide explains how to submit a WSU written assignment through Canvas in simple steps.

Before you submit your paper, always check the instructions provided by your instructor. Assignment requirements can be different from one course to another.

How To Submit A WSU Written Assignment

The general process is:

Prepare your written assignment.
Check the assignment instructions.
Save the file in the required format.
Sign in to WSU Canvas.
Open your course.
Find the Assignments section.
Open the correct assignment.
Upload your document.
Click Submit Assignment.
Check that the submission was successful.

Let’s look at each step in detail.

1. Read the WSU Assignment Instructions First

Before uploading your assignment, carefully read the instructions from your instructor. The instructions may tell you:

The required word count
The assignment deadline
The required file format
Formatting rules
Citation requirements
The file naming format
Whether you need to upload more than one file
Whether a draft submission is allowed
Whether late submissions are accepted

Do not assume that every WSU assignment has the same requirements. Your instructor may set specific rules for your course.

For example, one assignment may ask you to submit a PDF, while another may require a Microsoft Word document.

Checking these details before uploading can help you avoid unnecessary submission problems.

2. Prepare Your Written Assignment

The next step is to complete your assignment according to the instructions.

Make sure your paper answers the assignment question and follows the required structure. If research is required, use reliable sources and include citations where necessary.

Before submission, read your assignment one more time.

Look for:

Spelling mistakes
Grammar errors
Missing paragraphs
Incorrect citations
Missing references
Formatting problems
Unfinished sentences
Incorrect page numbers
Missing headings

It is also a good idea to read the assignment after taking a short break. Sometimes you can find mistakes more easily when you look at your work again later.

3. Save Your Assignment in the Correct Format

After completing your written assignment, save it in the file format requested by your instructor. Common formats can include:

DOC
DOCX
PDF

However, you should always follow the specific instructions for your assignment.

WSU course instructions can set different file requirements. For example, some WSU course materials specifically require certain file types for Canvas submissions.

Do not convert your document to another format unless your instructor allows it.

Choose a Clear File Name

Use a simple file name that makes your assignment easy to identify.

For example:

Smith_English_Assignment.docx

or:

Smith_Research_Paper.pdf

Avoid confusing names such as:

finalfinalnew2.pdf

A clear file name can help you select the correct document when you are ready to upload it.

4. Log In To WSU Canvas

Now you are ready to submit your assignment.

Go to the WSU Canvas website and sign in with your WSU NID and password. WSU identifies Canvas as its learning management system for course materials, assignments, communication, and other course activities.

If you are taking an online WSU course, Canvas is also where you can access your course information and assignments. WSU Global Campus confirms that online courses are available through Canvas.

Once you log in, you should see your available courses.

5. Open Your Course

After signing in to Canvas, select the course where you need to submit your written assignment.
For example, if your assignment is for an English course, open that specific course from your Canvas dashboard.
Make sure you have opened the correct course before continuing.
This is important because students may have several courses in Canvas, and each course can have different assignments and deadlines.

6. Find the Assignment

Once you are inside your course, look for the Assignments section.

Your instructor may also place the assignment inside a course Module or another course section.

Open the assignment you need to complete.

Carefully read the assignment page again before submitting your file.

Check:

Assignment name
Due date
Instructions
Allowed file types
Submission requirements
Number of files required

WSU course examples show assignments being submitted through the Canvas Assignments area. In one WSU course guide, students are instructed to open the correct assignment folder, select Start Assignment, upload the file, and then select Submit Assignment.

7. Click Start Assignment

After opening the correct assignment, look for the Start Assignment button if it is available.

Click it to begin the submission process.

Depending on how your instructor has set up the assignment, you may see different submission options.

The available options can vary between courses, so follow the instructions displayed on your assignment page.

8. Upload Your Written Assignment

After starting the assignment, choose the option to upload your file.
Select the assignment document from your computer or device.
For example, if your paper is saved as:

English_Assignment.docx

find that file and select it.

Wait for the upload to finish.

Do not close the page while the file is still uploading.

Check the Uploaded File

Once the document appears on the submission page, check the file name carefully.

Ask yourself:

Is this the correct assignment?

This simple check can prevent you from accidentally submitting an old draft or the wrong document.

9. Click Submit Assignment

After confirming that the correct file is attached, click Submit Assignment.

This is an important step.

Uploading a file does not always mean that the assignment has been finally submitted. You should complete the final submission step shown by Canvas.

WSU course instructions also describe the process as uploading the required file and then clicking Submit Assignment to finish the submission.

Wait until Canvas confirms that the submission has been completed.

10. Check Your Submission Status

After submitting your written assignment, do not immediately close Canvas.

Take a moment to check the assignment page.

Look for a submission confirmation, submission status, timestamp, or other indication that your assignment was received.

If Canvas provides a submission confirmation or receipt, keep it for your records.

This can be especially useful if you later need to show when you submitted the assignment.

What If You Need To Change Your Assignment?

Some Canvas assignments may allow you to make another submission or resubmit your work. However, this depends on how your instructor has configured the assignment.

Do not assume that you can replace your submission after the deadline.

If you discover a mistake after submitting, check the assignment page first. If you are unsure, contact your instructor as soon as possible.

Your instructor’s course policy should be treated as the main source for questions about late work, resubmissions, and extensions.

For example, WSU’s College of Nursing has course policies stating that assignments are submitted through Canvas by the stated deadline and that late work may not be accepted unless an approved exception applies.

What If Canvas Does Not Accept Your File?

Sometimes students may see an error when trying to upload an assignment.

First, check the file type.

Your instructor may only allow specific formats. If your assignment requires a PDF, for example, make sure you are not trying to upload an unsupported file.

You should also check the file size and make sure the file is not damaged.

If the problem continues, take a screenshot of the error and contact your instructor or WSU technical support.

WSU provides Canvas support through its Academic Outreach and Innovation team. WSU also lists Canvas support contact information for students and faculty.

What If You Cannot Find Your Assignment?

If you cannot find the assignment in Canvas, first check the course Modules and Assignments sections.

Also check the course syllabus and announcements.

WSU recommends that students read their syllabus and course information when preparing for their courses.

If the assignment is still missing, contact your instructor.

Do not wait until the last few minutes before the deadline to report the problem.

Tips For A Successful WSU Assignment Submission

Here are some simple tips that can make the process easier.

Submit Before The Deadline

Try to submit your assignment early.

Internet problems, computer issues, or Canvas problems can happen at any time. Giving yourself extra time can reduce stress.

Keep A Copy Of Your Assignment

Always keep the original assignment on your computer or cloud storage.

You should also keep the final version that you submitted.

Check The File Before Uploading

Open the file one last time before submitting it.

Make sure it contains the complete assignment and not an older draft.

Check The Deadline

Look at the due date and time shown in your course.

Do not rely only on memory.

Keep Your Submission Confirmation

If Canvas provides a confirmation or submission record, keep it.

It can be useful if you need to verify your submission later.

Can I Submit A WSU Written Assignment From My Phone?

This depends on the device and the assignment setup.

Canvas can be accessed from different devices, but uploading a long written assignment is usually easier from a computer.

If you use your phone, make sure you can access the correct document and that the file is saved in the format required by your instructor.

Before the deadline, confirm that your file has uploaded correctly.

What About WSU Writing Center Submissions?

A writing center submission is different from submitting a normal course assignment.

For example, WSU’s University Writing Portfolio has its own submission process. The Writing Program says students should prepare their documents in DOC, DOCX, or PDF format and submit them through its designated submission portal.

So, if your instructor asks you to submit a normal class assignment, follow the Canvas instructions.

If you are submitting a University Writing Portfolio, follow the separate instructions provided by the WSU Writing Program.

Do not confuse the two submission processes.

WSU Written Assignment Submission Checklist

Before you click Submit Assignment, use this quick checklist:

Check	What to Confirm
Assignment	You opened the correct assignment
Instructions	You followed your instructor’s requirements
Word Count	Your assignment meets the required length
Formatting	Your document follows the required format
File Type	You uploaded the accepted file type
File Name	Your file has a clear name
Content	Your assignment is complete
Proofreading	You checked spelling and grammar
Upload	The correct file is attached
Submission	You clicked Submit Assignment
Confirmation	You checked the submission status

FAQs

How do I submit a WSU written assignment?

Log in to WSU Canvas with your WSU NID and password. Open the correct course, find the assignment, select the submission option, upload your document, and click Submit Assignment. WSU uses Canvas for course assignments and other learning activities.

What file format should I use for a WSU assignment?

The required file format depends on your instructor and course. Common formats include DOC, DOCX, and PDF, but you should always check the specific assignment instructions before uploading your file.

Where can I find WSU assignments?

After logging in to Canvas, open your course and look for the Assignments section. Your instructor may also place assignments inside course Modules.

Do I have to click Submit Assignment after uploading my file?

Yes. If Canvas shows a separate Submit Assignment button, click it after uploading your file. WSU course instructions show the upload and final submission as separate steps.

How can I know if my WSU assignment was submitted?

After clicking Submit Assignment, check the assignment page for a confirmation, submission status, timestamp, or other confirmation that Canvas received your work.

What should I do if I submitted the wrong file?

Check whether the assignment allows another submission. If you cannot replace the file or the deadline has passed, contact your instructor as soon as possible and explain the situation.

Can I submit an assignment after the deadline?

This depends on your instructor’s course policy. Some WSU courses have strict late submission rules, while others may allow extensions under certain conditions. Always check your course syllabus and assignment instructions.

Conclusion

Submitting a WSU written assignment through Canvas is straightforward when you follow the correct steps. Start by reading the assignment instructions, complete and proofread your work, save it in the required format, and log in to WSU Canvas.

After opening the correct course and assignment, upload the right document and click Submit Assignment. Most importantly, check the submission status after you finish.