Brightspace Learner Resources

On this page you can find quicklinks to our Brightspace FAQs, detailed guides and how-tos, and information on how to login to Brightspace for Professional Development courses.

Can't find the information you are looking for or require additional help? The Software Application Support Centre (SAS) is here to help! You can reach us at SAS@smu.ca or call us at 902-496-8168. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (9am to 4:30pm in the summer).

Logging into Brightspace

When you are first enrolled into Brightspace, you should receive an email from 'Saint Mary's University - Software and Application Support Centre'. This is email will contain your username, a link to set up your password, and a link to the SMU Professional Development Brightspace login page.

When you get to Brightspace, use the External Participant Login portal.

Forgot your Password?

If, for any reason, you need to reset your password:

Additional Resources

  • Brightspace Pulse is an application from D2L which gives you access to Brightspace from your smartphone device. It is available for both Android and iOS devices.

    Download Pulse from the Google Play Store or Apple Store for free.

    To log into Brightspace Pulse:

    1. From your device, tap the Brightspace Pulse icon.

    2. Learn more about Brightspace Pulse by swiping left/right; otherwise tap Next

    3. Tap Pick Your School

    4. Search for Saint Mary’s PD

    5. Enter your username and password in the External Participant Login Portal

    6. You should now be able to access your courses.

  • Brightspace allows for some customization in Account settings and Notifications.

    Account Settings options:

    • Setting up your pronouns

    • Adjusting the font size

    • Setting time Zones

    • Video Settings for assistive technologies

    Where to find Account Settings:

    1. In Brigtspace, click on your name at the top right of the page.

    2. Select Account Settings.

    3. Adjust as necessary.

    4. Save and Close.

    Notification Options for Learners:

    • Announcements - new announcement available

    • Assignments - assignment feedback released

    • Assignments - assignment due date or end date is 2 days away

    • Content - Content item created

    • Discussions - new post in a forum, topic, or thread that I subscribed to

    • Grades - grade item released

    • Quizzes - quiz due date or end date is 2 days away

    For more information on what exactly triggers these notifications, visit the Brightspace Notification Details webpage.

    Where to find Notifications settings:

    1. In Brightspace, click on your name at the top right of the page.

    2. Select Notifications.

    3. Select the options you’d like to receive notifications for, then

    4. Save and Close.

  • To subscribe to events from your course Brightspace calendar(s):

    1. In Brightspace, click on the name of the Calendar widget to open the tool. From the Calendar tool, click Subscribe.

    2. Under Calendar Subscriptions, select which calendar you want to subscribe to, or select All Calendars and Tasks, or Tasks Only.

    3. Copy and paste the URL into your external calendar application of choice. Below, we've provided links on where to paste the calendar link in the following applications:

    Once you've saved the link in your personal calendar, click Close in Brightspace. Your external calendar is now synchronized with the Brightspace Calendar tool.

Software and Application Support Centre (SAS) Contact

Email: sas@smu.ca

Phone: (902) 496-8168

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm (9am to 4:30pm Summer Hours)