Planning is underway for a transition to Canvas during the 2026–27 academic year, guided by a deliberate approach focused on training and support needs for the campus community.
Elon University will begin planning a transition to Canvas by Instructure as its learning management system, following an extensive evaluation process led by Teaching and Learning Technologies (TLT) in partnership with Academic Affairs and informed by faculty, staff and student feedback.
The transition planning phase reflects a clear institutional decision and does not represent an immediate change to how courses are taught or delivered. Moodle will remain fully supported; no Spring 2026 courses are affected, and no action is required from faculty or staff at this time.
Why now?
Over the fall semester, Teaching and Learning Technologies, in partnership with academic and IT colleagues, conducted a comprehensive review of the university’s learning management system. That process included open forums, surveys and structured feedback from more than 125 faculty and staff members and more than 400 undergraduate and graduate students.
The evaluation highlighted the importance of adopting a learning management system to support current and evolving approaches to learning and engagement.
Beginning the transition planning now allows the university to move forward deliberately, ensuring the transition is well supported and aligned with Elon’s broader commitment to engaged learning and student success.
Why Canvas?
Canvas was selected following a careful review of faculty and student input, market analysis and platform capabilities.
“This decision was guided by the needs and hopes of our faculty and students,” said Rebecca Kohn, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “Our community asked for a system that is reliable and flexible; one that can adapt to diverse approaches to teaching and learning. Canvas emerged as the platform that best aligns with those priorities as we look ahead.”
What this means and what’s next
As planning moves forward, a few key points may be helpful to keep in mind:
- Moodle remains fully supported through the transition.
- No action is required from LMS users at this time.
- No change will be made to how courses are taught or delivered for Spring 2026.
Teaching and Learning Technologies will lead the transition process in close partnership with academic and IT colleagues. TLT will coordinate training, support and future communications, ensuring faculty, staff and students have clarity and guidance well in advance of any changes.
As details take shape, including a clearer transition timeline and answers to frequently asked questions, TLT will share updates with the campus community. Additional information is expected before March.
“Transitioning to a modern, user-friendly platform like Canvas supports engaged learning and student success,” said Kelly Reimer, senior director of Teaching and Learning Technologies. “Our goal during this early phase of work is to establish a strong foundation for both the technical transition and how we will support faculty and students in ways that minimize disruption to teaching and learning.”
Faculty engagement & Next Steps
Faculty involvement remains central as the transition planning continues. Opportunities for faculty engagement, support and training will be communicated by Teaching and Learning Technologies as plans are refined.
“As a member of the LMS evaluation project team, I was grateful for the quantity and depth of feedback we received from colleagues and students,” said Eric Bauer, faculty fellow for technology and assistant professor of biology. “I’m excited to see how my colleagues creatively use the many new tools within Canvas to make their classes even more engaging and easy for students to navigate and look forward to exploring with them the possibilities of the new LMS.”
The transition to Canvas will be implemented over time, with ongoing communication and support as the university moves through the next academic year.