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
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
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
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
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.
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