The University of Massachusetts Amherst

Flexible Learning: Learning Management System Transition at UMass Amherst

Canvas by Instructure

In spring 2023, UMass Amherst announced Canvas will become the official learning management system (LMS) for on-campus and online courses.

Why Canvas

  • Canvas provides an accessible and inclusive experience, centered on ease of use for students and instructors.
  • A mobile-first platform with customizable options, Canvas offers students true flexibility in how and where they learn.
  • Canvas is a robust and reliable system that integrates easily with other technologies at UMass Amherst.
  • A single, university-wide LMS reduces complexity and simplifies the learning and teaching experience for students and faculty.

From Moodle & Blackboard to Canvas

  • The transition will take place over 2 years, starting in fall 2023.
  • An automated data transfer service will help move your course content from Moodle or Blackboard.
  • Multiple training opportunities will be available, in person and virtual, one-on-one and in groups. 
  • Important Dates & Deadlines

About the LMS Exploration Process

Canvas is the leading LMS among public research universities and stands out for its flexibility, ease of use, and mobile capabilities.

 

Transition Timeline

Winter 2022 -
Summer 2023

Canvas Announced, Outreach, Training & Rollout Begin

Read more
  • Multi-year transition strategy announced
  • Requests opened for Fall 2023 courses
  • Requests opened for moving Fall 2023 course content to Canvas
  • Training opportunities available
Fall 2023 -
Summer 2024

Majority of Courses Transitioned to Canvas

Read more
  • Courses continue to move to Canvas
  • Course migration support available
  • Training opportunities available
Fall 2024 -
Fall 2025  

All Courses Move to Canvas

Read more
  • New courses will no longer be created in Blackboard and Moodle. Courses already in Blackboard and Moodle can be taught-out in those platforms. Limited support for legacy platforms continues for existing courses only.
  • Access to archived courses available through the end of the 2024-2025 academic year; ends 5/25/25

View the Canvas Course Migration Schedule

View the Canvas Transition Detailed Timeline

 


Important Dates

Monday, November 6, 2023

New concierge migration requests open

for teaching in Summer 2024 | Request Concierge Migration

Friday, January 5, 2024

Concierge migration request deadline

for teaching in Summer 2024 | Request Concierge Migration

Learn more about content migration options. Stay tuned for more dates & updates.

Subscribe to the biweekly Canvas updates newsletter for instructors to keep on top of important dates and more.

Previous important dates
Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Requests open for Fall 2023 Canvas Courses

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Training options available

Friday, June 16, 2023

Deadline to request fall course content to be moved to Canvas

 

Instructors: Keep on top of Canvas updates!
Subscribe to the optional newsletter for biweekly updates.

Sign up for updates

 

Feedback and Engagement

canvastransition@umass.edu