Update to Canvas Data Process
March 25, 2026
Dear Canvas Users,
We’re excited to announce that we will be changing the process to update users, courses, and faculty/student enrollments in the UAF Canvas learning management system. This will start with the Fall semester 2026 courses.
When?
Starting on the first day of regular registration (March 30th, 2026) the process will change. This is the date that courses in Canvas will be created for the Fall 2026 semester; only faculty will be able to see them at this time.
What’s Changing?
Currently, updates are made on an hourly basis. The new process is real-time, allowing for instant updates to users, courses, and enrollments.
It also allows flexibility and customization in the following ways:
- Course names and labels have clear semester indications and better naming schemes.
- User accounts will use a preferred first name.
- Student work is retained between enrollment changes.
- New sub-accounts by colleges provide additional options for course management and analytics.
- Sub-accounts can have customizable course templates.
- Integrations can be deployed and managed per sub-account, allowing for more flexibility in what tools are available to each college.
- Reduced workload for supports tickets by LMS administration
How does this affect you?
Most of these changes are ‘behind the scenes’ and you will not notice much difference in how Canvas looks or works. You may see a new course naming format and you may notice that you are enrolled in courses much faster than before.
What do I need to do?
There is nothing you need to do and these changes should not affect how you use Canvas.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the NTS Service Desk at helpdesk@alaska.edu or (907) 450-8300.