General
What is an LMS, and why do we need one?
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software platform for creating, delivering, managing and tracking educational courses, centralizing learning in one place and widely utilized in K-12 and higher education.
Why is the UNC System moving to a single LMS?
The UNC System’s 17 institutions currently use three different learning management systems under separate contracts. Moving to one LMS will consolidate technology across campuses and offer several key benefits:
Cost efficiencies by reducing the cost-per-student across the UNC System
Greater familiarity for students, especially incoming first-year and transfer students who have already used Canvas in high school or community college
Improved collaboration and easier sharing of course materials across institutions
Why was Canvas chosen?
Canvas is the largest LMS provider in higher education and has already been successfully adopted by the majority of UNC System institutions. Features and functions of Canvas include:
Mobile Apps
An engaged user community
Learn more about the partnership between N.C. and Instructure at www.instructure.com/landing/partner-in-education/north-carolina.
What is the timeframe of the migration?
The first opt-in opportunity for faculty to teach in Canvas will be Summer 2026 sessions.
All faculty will have to be migrated to the platform by the start of Summer 2027.
Who is managing the transition?
The Academic and Emerging Technologies (AET) Division of Information Technology Services is leading the migration and support.
Faculty
When can I start using Canvas? What is the process?
Starting in summer 2026, faculty can choose to “opt in” and teach their courses in Canvas. Opt-in selections must be made by Friday, March 20, 2026. Visit the Canvas Opt In page in Banner Self-Service (login required, available only to faculty) to elect to teach one or more summer courses in Canvas.
When will faculty have access to "sandbox/dev" courses on the App State Canvas instance?
Sandbox/development or Dev courses are available for anyone who taught in Spring 2025. You can access these courses by logging in to Instructure at appstate.instructure.com with your App State credentials. If you don’t have a course, submit a Canvas Support Request at tech.appstate.edu.