Learning Management System Transition

On September 12, 2025, the Provost announced that the University would be transitioning to a new learning management system (LMS). While this change is prompted by Anthology’s decision to sunset Blackboard Learn, it also offers us an opportunity to adopt an LMS that best supports teaching and improves the student academic experience. This page is intended to offer a brief overview of the LMS transition. 

Informed by extensive community input and careful deliberation, we are pleased to share that the University of Richmond will adopt Canvas as its enterprise learning management system. The transition to Canvas will occur in phases: 

  • During the spring 2026 semester, faculty and instructional staff will gain access to Canvas in a test environment to explore its features and functionality.
  • After the conclusion of the spring 2026 semester, courses will be migrated from Blackboard to Canvas. Following migration, instructors will be able to access these course materials in Canvas and revise them to best take advantage of Canvas’s robust instructional tools.
  • Instructors will be able to choose between the two following timelines for adoption:
    • Instructors may choose to begin using Canvas for their fall 2026 courses, which we highly recommend.
    • Instructors may wait until Spring 2027 to begin using Canvas.
  • Beginning Spring 2027, Canvas will become the University’s LMS of record and the only LMS supported by the University. Files remaining in Blackboard will be accessible in a read-only format through at least Feburary 28, 2027.

The Faculty Hub, the University Library, Information Services, the WLC, and other campus partners will offer a range of training and support opportunities for faculty, staff, and students throughout the coming year. Please check back often for updates on these opportunities as well as additional information regarding the timeline for data migration.

Expand All

  • LMS Project Team

    The LMS Project Team provides insight into functional needs and system requirements, counsel on stakeholder engagement, and a recommendation for new LMS vendor selection. LMS Project Team members include:

    • Matt Banfield, Chief of Staff, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost
    • Andrew Bell, Associate Director of Digital Pedagogy and Research, Faculty Hub
    • Jess Flanigan, Professor of Leadership Studies & PPEL, Jepson School of Leadership Studies
    • Lauren Henley, Asst. Professor of Leadership Studies, Jepson School of Leadership Studies
    • Kyle Jenkins, Social Sciences Librarian, University Library
    • Michael Marsh-Soloway, Teaching Faculty of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, School of Arts & Sciences
    • Tom Mattson, Associate Professor of Analytics & Operations, Robins School of Business
    • Lionel Mew, Asst. Professor of Information Systems & Asst Chair for IT Systems, School of Professional and Continuing Studies
    • Nicole Maurantonio, Assoc. Provost of Academic Affairs & Professor of Rhetoric & Communication Studies
    • Bryan Moyer, Sr. Assoc. Registrar, Registrar’s Office
    • Mark Nichols, Asst. Vice President, Information Services
    • Kristine Nolin, Assoc. Professor of Chemistry, School of Arts & Sciences
    • Kristen Osenga, Assoc. Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Law
    • Ryan Peloquin, Learning Management System Administrator, Information Services
    • Cort Schneider, Director of Disability Services, Student Development
    • Roger Skalbeck, Associate Dean for Library & Information Services & Prof of Law
    • Andrea Waddle, Assoc. Professor of Economics, Robins School of Business