Dear Colleagues,
As the fall semester comes to a close, we’re providing essential updates on the Canvas implementation to help you prepare for spring and the full transition to Canvas. With end-of-semester activities increasing, this will be our last update until January, so please review this message thoroughly.
Spring 2025 Courses
As a reminder, Blackboard will be the default LMS for the spring; however, instructors are encouraged to use Canvas and must opt in by completing this form. If you used Canvas this fall, you must opt into Canvas again for the spring; it will not be done automatically.
Next Course Migration
All course sections that used Blackboard in summer and fall 2024 will be migrated automatically at the end of the semester. If there are additional courses you would like migrated—such as those updated since the last migration or not previously migrated—please submit them using the December 2024 Content Migration Form by Monday, December 2. You will need the Blackboard course ID for each section you wish to migrate. An email will be sent once the migrated courses are available in Canvas (expected in early January).
Preparing for Summer Canvas Cutover
We want to remind all faculty who have not yet transitioned to Canvas to begin developing a plan for their courses. The spring 2025 semester will be the final term courses can be taught using Blackboard.
We strongly encourage you to take advantage of the resources available to become familiar with Canvas. For those not as familiar with Canvas or need a refresh, the next synchronous Canvas Bootcamp will be hosted December 3 – 5. Register Today! Additional training on specific topics will also be held on Tuesday, December 10. Links and details for these sessions and a full list of the training resources can be found at https://lms.gmu.edu/training-events/.
Finally, if you have had content migrated to Canvas, please take time to review these materials, which you can find on your Canvas Courses page. The course title will begin with “Bb Migrated.” The Migrated Course Cleanup Guide offers tips and best practices as you review the migrated content.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to this important effort.
Charles Kreitzer
Executive Director, Mason Online
Office of the Provost
Joy Taylor
Executive Director, Learning Support Services
Information Technology Services