Are your courses ready for Semester 2?

04 Dec 2025

The latest update on Canvas, including sinformation on examination and assessments and support in building your courses ready for semester 2

We’re continuing to make the improvements that matter to you following the successful launch of Canvas to ensure it is fully embedded and continues to develop.

Whilst Canvas is already receiving positive feedback, we’re listening to students, colleagues and Canvas’s supplier, Instructure, to understand how we can continue to improve the technical environment and processes for everyone.

Colleagues involved in the delivery of Canvas and students were invited to separate workshops in November to celebrate and reflect on the Canvas implementation. The sessions helped us gather feedback about people’s experiences and offer suggestions for the future.

University colleagues attended Instructure’s annual conference in Oslo at the start of November. The conference provided opportunity to hear about forthcoming product releases designed to enhance the user experience, share good practice and understand how other institutions are using Canvas.

Feedback from these internal sessions and Instructure’s conference will inform how Canvas can continue to support and shape our Teaching, Learning and Student Experience alongside the wider ambitions of the Manchester 2035 Strategy.

Support with examination and assessment

With ongoing Semester 1 assessments and the January examination period approaching, we want to make sure you and your students are prepared and confident in using Canvas.

An Assessment and Feedback guide document has been designed to help you understand variances between Canvas and Blackboard assignment submissions, with supporting tips,
An Assessment and submission deadlines bulletin has been created to support you when setting deadlines for your students.

Local eLearning and Assessment and Progression teams are providing help and guidance with assessments. Find local support for your area in the below links:

Remember, you can report Canvas-related issues using the Something not working? form in Connect, ensuring quick resolution of problems during the exam period.

Students can access Instructure’s Canvas Student Guide which includes tutorials, FAQs, and walkthroughs to help them navigate the platform, submit assignments, and access course materials. Additional guidance is available through our Student Support page and students can raise an IT Services ticket for technical support.

Are your courses ready for Semester 2?

We need to ensure Semester 2 courses are built and ready to be published by Monday 19 January.

We’re supporting you in building courses and will once again share a weekly dashboard monitoring progress of course availability by School and Faculty and provide targeted support where needed.

Access support through your local areas and find general support on our Canvas microsite.