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Year: 2023

Introducing Canvas as Mason’s New Learning Management System

Email sent to Mason community

Dear Colleagues: 

After a multi-layered and comprehensive process, we are happy to announce the selection of Canvas by Instructure as George Mason University’s new Learning Management System (LMS).  

Throughout the Request for Proposal process, the engagement from groups across the university was invaluable in making this selection, and we are immensely grateful for everyone’s participation and patience during the negotiation of the contract. Feedback from the vendor demonstrations this spring showed that the Mason community overwhelmingly preferred the functionality, ease of use, and integrated tools offered by Canvas over the other solutions.  

Additionally, many in the Mason community are already familiar with Canvas: 

  • 63% of faculty who responded to the LMS survey indicated they have previously used Canvas 
  • 72% of students surveyed indicated they have previously used Canvas 
  • 70% of R1 institutions use Canvas; In Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area, Canvas schools include American University, Georgetown, James Madison University, Marymount University, Northern Virginia Community College, Old Dominion University, University of Maryland, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Tech 

An implementation team of diverse members of the Mason community has been established to ensure a smooth transition. Because this shift in LMS providers is a major change for the entire university, a phased approach will be utilized to aid with the rollout and adoption of the new platform. The implementation phase is scheduled to officially kick off in January 2024. 

While additional details will be shared with the community in the coming weeks, a high-level timeline for the implementation process includes: 

·         Spring 2024: System setup, configuration, and testing 

·         Summer 2024: Limited pilot 

·         Fall 2024: First wave of courses migrated to Canvas 

·         Spring 2025: Remaining courses migrated to Canvas 

·         Fall 2025: Final move to Canvas; Blackboard no longer available 

Throughout the transition, comprehensive training, various resources, and hands-on assistance will be available to aid the Mason community. For up-to-date information about the project, including governance committees, timelines, FAQs, and information on how you can participate visit info.canvas.gmu.edu. 

Thank you again for the input and support in making this decision for the university. Email questions to the implementation team at [email protected]. 

Ken Walsh, PhD                                                                       Jackie Ferree 
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President                        Senior Vice President, Operations and Business Services

Spring Courses

Spring 2024 courses will continue to use Blackboard. The committee is still finalizing its decision – an announcement will be made to the university community when available. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Fall 2023 Courses Continue to Use Blackboard

All Fall courses will continue to use Blackboard. The committee is still finalizing its decision. Questions can be directed to [email protected]

LMS Sandbox Test Accounts

The Mason community can now sign up for temporary accounts with the three finalist LMS vendors. You will receive communication from the companies on how to access the accounts. Users can explore the system and test features in a prebuilt sample course. A feedback survey will be sent to those who have requested accounts.

Signup Form »

Presentation Recordings Available

The three LMS vendor finalists – Canvas (Instructure), Brightspace (D2L) and Blackboard Ultra (Anthology) – presented on campus May 8-10. Recordings are now available. Please complete the feedback survey after viewing presentations. Mason login required.

Canvas Recording

Brightspace Recording

Blackboard Ultra Recording

In addition, vendors will provide demo courses faculty can explore to get a more hands-on experience and provide additional feedback to the selection committee. Look for an email and follow-up post soon with signup details.

Based on all the feedback we have collected, we expect to have a decision on a replacement LMS within the next few months and will share it widely on Mason’s communication channels. After a platform is selected, we understand there is much work to be done. There will be a transition period for faculty with an emphasis on faculty development and automated course conversions. More details will be provided in the coming months.

Please Join Us – LMS Vendor Presentations May 8, 9, 10

Email sent to faculty and posted in Blackboard

We need your help in choosing a new Learning Management System (LMS) for Mason! Please join us May 8, 9, and 10 for a showcase of options. Demos will be provided for Canvas, Blackboard Ultra, and Brightspace. This is your chance to ask questions directly to the vendors and provide your feedback. Join in person or by Zoom. Recordings and survey will be available for review.

Canvas – May 8, Merten 1201
BrightSpace – May 9, Merten 1201
Blackboard Ultra – May 10, Merten 1202

Visit the LMS Website to learn about the project, see presentation times, and join by Zoom.

Spring updates

Feedback received last fall, including thousands of faculty and student responses to surveys, polls, and focus groups, has helped shape the Request for Proposal (RFP). Throughout the LMS transition process, we will be communicating regularly with our campus community on important updates, milestones and opportunities regarding our move to a new LMS. Finalists will present demos in April and the Evaluation Committee will plan to send final recommendations to university leadership by the end of the spring semester. Visit info.canvas.gmu.edu to stay informed on all of the latest opportunities for feedback as the RFP is evaluated. Email questions to [email protected].