Office of the Provost

Countdown to Canvas: Resources and College Leads

January 12, 2026

This message was shared with faculty and professional staff on January 12, 2026.

Dear Colleagues,

Drexel’s transition to Canvas as our new learning management system (LMS) is well underway. This quarter, more than 245 courses are operating in Canvas, and we’re continuing to expand adoption.

To support you through this transition, the LMS Implementation Task Force has launched the Countdown to Canvas SharePoint hub, which includes:

  • A checklist for creating your first Canvas course
  • Live and self-paced training sessions
  • Faculty and student FAQs
  • Student-focused training links
  • A comprehensive transition timeline

Visit the Countdown to Canvas SharePoint

Additionally, Canvas Implementation Leads have been appointed in each academic unit to coordinate readiness, communication and support. They will work closely with the LMS Implementation Task Force and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth experience for faculty, staff and students.

Build Your Course in Canvas

Faculty are encouraged to begin teaching in Canvas as soon as they are able to; thank you to those who have already paved the way! Beginning in Fall 2026, Canvas will serve as Drexel’s primary LMS.

Faculty teaching Gateway Courses and first-year courses are encouraged to remain in Blackboard until the Early Warning System is established in Canvas, which is expected to happen in the spring. If faculty elect to start teaching in Canvas before the system is in place, they will need to upload their grades into Blackboard once per week to preserve retention data.

To request that an upcoming course be taught in Canvas, please contact your course scheduler. We appreciate your partnership in this important initiative and will continue to share updates throughout the transition.

Sincerely,

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

Johanna Inman, EdD
Associate Vice Provost
Executive Director, Teaching and Learning Center
Co-Lead, LMS Implementation Task Force

Michael Shelmet, EdD
Director of Instructional Technology
Co-Lead, LMS Implementation Task Force