Blackboard to Canvas Transition
Important Dates and Details to Be Aware of:
- Summer 2021
- Starting with the academic summer 2021 semester online courses and active organizations will use Canvas only
- As of May 31, 2021, Blackboard will not be available.
- March 31, 2021
- The final day for organization leaders to export organization content from Blackboard.
- The final day for organization leaders to export organization content from Blackboard.
- May 31, 2021
- The final day for faculty to course content from Blackboard.
- Note: You can import your content into Canvas at your own convenience; there is no deadline to do this.
Instructions and Support to Guide You Through the Preparations:
- Pack Your Blackboard Bags; VCU is Moving to Canvas
- Faculty training and resources are available! Click the "Support & Training" tab above
- For questions about Canvas at VCU, email canvaslearn@vcu.edu or submit a request form.
- For support, email canvas@vcu.edu and a support request ticket will be routed to the Learning Systems team.
- Join VCU Online during their "Open Office Hours" for faculty.
- Subscribe to the Learning Systems Announcements blog for updates and current information.
Resources for Students:
- VCU askIT knowledge base page: Getting Started with Canvas for Students
- A list of student resourses are located under the "Support & Training" tab above.
Canvas at VCU

30-second Promo
Canvas is a Learning Management System that is robust, intuitive, and cloud-based. Canvas streamlines all the digital tools and content that instructors and students need, for a simpler and more connected learning experience.
VCU Frequently Asked Questions
New and updated FAQs for 2021!
Canvas FAQs
( https://learningsystems.vcu.edu/canvas/faqs/ )
Note: Due to limitations of this content system, the FAQs are posted on a separate page, which the above link directs to. The separate page allows the FAQs to be presented in an organized, easy-to-read format.
SUPPORT, RESOURCES and TRAINING
PACK YOUR BLACKBOARD BAGS; VCU IS MOVING TO CANVAS!
Training for Faculty Available! (click here or scroll down)
VCU 24/7 SUPPORT FOR CANVAS
Canvas Support Hotline: 1 (877) 636-1744
Canvas Support Portal - VCU access instructions
INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES | OTHER RESOURCES | |
Subscribe: VCU Learning Systems blog |
Canvas Guides |
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VCU Online Open Office Hours for Faculty
Canvas Faculty and Stakeholder Advisory Committee |
Third Party Tool Integrations - Canvas supports LTI, which allows third party tools to be integrated and used within Canvas. Review the list of tools currently installed in Canvas. Please note that new tool requests will not be reviewed until after July 31st, 2021. Tool Integration Request Form - Complete all fields in the form and submit your request to begin the review and approval process. More information about integrated tools can be found at the top of the request form.
TRAINING
Training Type: DEPARTMENTAL
Request faculty training for your department and we will customize the session to meet your needs. Send an email to learncanvas@vcu.edu and someone from the VCU Learning Systems team will contact you.
Training Level: BASIC
The Basics: Creating Your First Course in Canvas
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training session will take you through the steps of creating a course in Canvas. Learn the basic features, settings and content options. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at go.vcu.edu/canvas-training. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
* Mar 25, 1:00-2:00pm
Training Level: INTERMEDIATE
Blackboard-to-Canvas Course Imports
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training session will explain how to import your course content from Blackboard into your Canvas course(s). Don't forget that Blackboard will no longer be available after May 31st, 2021, so join this session to get your courses ready in Canvas before the deadline. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at go.vcu.edu/canvas-training. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
* Mar 4, 10:00-11:00am
Canvas BE AWARES! Common mistakes in Canvas
Sponsored by VCU Online and Learning Systems, this training session will dive into common mistakes made in Canvas and how to avoid them. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at go.vcu.edu/canvas-training. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
* May 19, 10:00-11:00am
Accessibility/ADA in Canvas
Sponsored by VCU Online and Learning Systems, this session will provide an overview of accessibility in online courses and steps you can take to ensure your courses are compliant. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at go.vcu.edu/canvas-training. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
* Apr 7, 1:00-2:00pm
Assignments, Quizzes & Grading in Canvas
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training will include an overview of assignment and quiz types and how to create, manage and grade them in Canvas. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at go.vcu.edu/canvas-training. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
* Apr 21, 1:00-2:00pm
Training Level: ADVANCED
Canvas Enrollments, Sections & Cross-Listing
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training will provide an overview of how students are enrolled in Canvas courses and how course sections can be merged into one Canvas course. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at go.vcu.edu/canvas-training. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
* May 21, 10:00-11:00am
Installing & Using Third-party Tool Integrations in Canvas
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training will demonstrate how to install and use third-party tool integrations in Canvas. (Content from publishers, curricula-specific materials, interactive content, quiz builders and more.) This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at go.vcu.edu/canvas-training. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
* Apr 29, 1:00-2:00pm
Training Type: PEDAGOGY
Best Practices in Online Teaching plus Canvas Tool Highlights
Sponsored by Learning Systems and VCU Online, this training session will cover best practices for teaching online with Canvas, and will highlight some of the most effective tools in Canvas. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at go.vcu.edu/canvas-training. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
* Mar 24, 1:00-2:00pm
Canvas Faculty Showcase
This event, sponsored by VCU Online, VCU Academic Technologies and the CTLE, provides an opportunity for faculty who have been working in Canvas to share successes and ideas for best practices in using Canvas for teaching. The event is open to faculty presenters as well as faculty who want to learn tricks of the trade. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Presenters and participants should register at go.vcu.edu/canvas-training. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109.
* Mar. 19, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - view the schedule of events
Large courses in Canvas
Sponsored by VCU Online and Learning Systems, this session will provide an overview of tools and techniques for deployment of materials and learning activities that foster engagement and improve retention, while keeping the demands of a larger class size in mind. This training is FREE and has NO cancellation penalty. Register at go.vcu.edu/canvas-training. Attend the session via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/3556791109
* Apr 15, 10:00-11:00am
Critical Dates To Remember
- When should you transfer your content out of Blackboard? Before May 31, 2021
- How long can you access content in Blackboard? Until 11:59pm May 31, 2021
- When will Blackboard be removed from service? After May 31, 2021
Important Resource - Pack Your Bags; VCU is Moving to Canvas
Deadline for having all content out of Blackboard is May 31, 2021
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Summer 2021 - All courses will use Canvas ONLY
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Blackboard Removed From Service |
BLACKBOARD NOT AVAILABLE
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Blackboard to Canvas Transition Timeline
SUMMER - FALL 2019
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FALL 2020
SPRING 2021
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