Canvas
- View the Fall 2026 Canvas Course Prep Guide (Word)
- Discussion Checkpoints: Discussion checkpoints allow the option to grade initial and follow-up posts separately and add differentiated due dates. Discussion Checkpoints can be enabled in each discussion’s settings. Checkpoints are only available for GRADED discussions; once you check the Graded option, you’ll see the Checkpoints options. Differentiated due dates, if enabled, will also show on the course calendar. Instructions for Discussions and Checkpoints
- Microsoft Education LTI:The Microsoft Education LTI replaces the retired Microsoft Teams Meetings tool in Canvas. To schedule Teams meetings, click on Microsoft Education in your course leftnav. Recording management has changed for class recordings created using Microsoft Education in Canvas. If your class sessions are recorded, they automatically display for instructors but will need to be manually released for students. View and share course recordings by going to Microsoft Education > Meetings > Recordings. Share recordings with the class by clicking the “…” on the recording thumbnail and selecting “share with class.” Microsoft is still working to finalize the “Edit in Stream” feature; please do not use it at this time.
- OneDrive LTI: The OneDrive LTI has been disabled and replaced by the Microsoft Education LTI. ITS is migrating all courses that used the original OneDrive LTI and the move should be seamless for instructors. In the Rich Content Editor (RCE), access the new integration by clicking the “plug” icon and choosing Microsoft Education from the options.
- Photo Roster: Note that if you are not connected to the campus network/VPN, Photo Roster will not load.
Syllabus
As you may be aware, there is now a policy that only certain items can be included on the official course syllabus. Notable points:
- Only the items listed in the policy can be called the syllabus. All other items that were once in the syllabus must be put elsewhere. The Syllabus tab in the left navigation will no longer be automatically visible in new course shells. Faculty/instructors will need to make the page visible in the settings area. Doing a course import will still bring in the Syllabus if it was enabled.
- Suggestions for how to manage this in Canvas:
- Include the additional information that used to be on the syllabus on a page or file in a Course Introduction/Welcome/Start Here module.
- Continue using the Syllabus leftnav link. This area is very useful because it also houses the Course Summary, which is the calendar of assignments and due dates that Canvas automatically creates. ITS has created a statement that says “The official syllabus for this course can be found in the Syllabus Repository. Information below is not part of the course syllabus, but does provide context for this course.” As long as this statement is included at the top of the Syllabus page, you can use the page, just don’t call the additional information “Syllabus.”
- There isn’t official language on what the additional information should be called, so you could go with something like “Additional Course Policies/Information” or “Course Guide.”The UTLC is spearheading this initiative, so you can reach out to them for more information. The UTLC website also contains more information on the syllabus policy and repository, as well as a Syllabus FAQ that might be helpful.
