Office of the Provost

Update on Canvas, Drexel’s New Learning Management System

November 13, 2025

This was shared with faculty and staff on October 24, 2025.

Dear Colleagues,

As shared previously, Drexel is transitioning to Canvas as its new Learning Management System (LMS) following an evaluation led by the University Advisory Committee on LMS Selection.

Canvas was chosen as Drexel’s LMS because it offers strong potential to enhance both the student and faculty experience. To ensure this transition is smooth and well-supported, an LMS Implementation Task Force, comprising members of the UAC and IT, will:

  • Build a University-wide roadmap that minimizes disruption to teaching and learning
  • Identify training and support needs to ensure successful adoption
  • Develop a communication plan to keep the community informed and engaged  
  • Leverage Canvas to advance Drexel’s retention and transformation goals

Timeline and Technology Updates

The transition to Canvas will occur in phases. Faculty are encouraged to migrate their courses to Canvas as soon as they are ready, with the exception of those teaching Gateway Courses or other first-year courses.

  • Gateway Courses: Please keep these in Blackboard for Winter 2026 so we can maintain Early Warning System data that helps support first-year students.
  • First-Year Courses in Canvas: If transitioned early, faculty will need to complete one extra weekly step to preserve retention data.

The data model used in our Early Warning System — used to anticipate needed support for  first-year students — is not yet available within Canvas. The above guidance is to ensure the preservation of valuable student retention data until this functionality has been addressed.

Timeline

  • Academic Year 2025-2026:
    • Fall: Faculty in 115 courses — enrolling nearly 2,000 students — are already using Canvas, providing valuable feedback and leading the way! The LMS Implementation Task Force will outline roadmap, training needs and communications.
    • Winter and Spring: Additional courses transitioning to Canvas (specific goals to come). Faculty may request to teach their courses in Canvas by working with their course scheduler, who can provide course-specific information for transitioning to Canvas.
  • Academic Year 2026-2027:
    • Fall: All courses transitioning to Canvas, with the goal of having most in Canvas for the start of the fall term. This is because Blackboard Original course materials will become read-only on December 31, 2026, which may impact students with outstanding coursework, including those with incomplete grades.
    • Winter and Spring: Canvas is fully implemented by January 1, 2027. All courses must be delivered in Canvas.

Tools

Blackboard integrations (Course Reserve, Kaltura, Turnitin and more) are now available in Canvas, with other integrations still to come. Review the Canvas Status page for details

Additional information on timelines, training and support is coming soon. If you’re ready to transition your course, please coordinate with your course scheduler.

Thank you for your continued commitment as we make this important transition together.

Sincerely,

Paul E. Jensen, PhD
Executive Vice President
Nina Henderson Provost