Canvas

Canvas Learning Management System Transition @ Texas Southern

We are pleased to announce that Texas Southern University will transition from Blackboard to the Canvas learning management system (LMS). This decision follows an extensive ten-month LMS demonstration and evaluation project. This process engaged our academic community for personal review and input, and we are confident this move will enhance our teaching and learning experience.

Why Canvas? 

Canvas was selected after a rigorous review of platforms for:

• A modern user interface and mobile-first design

• Improved course management tools

• Better integration with tools like Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, and Turnitin

• Enhanced analytics and student engagement tracking

• Robust accessibility features for all users

Getting Started

The first step to using Canvas is accessing it through the university portal. All students, faculty, and staff should log in through the official TSU portal to ensure a secure and seamless experience.

To get started (before August 11th, 2025): Click here to access Canvas

After August 11th, 2025, follow the steps below to access Canvas

1. Go to www.tsu.edu and click on the “MyTSU” link at the top of the page.

2. Log in using your university credentials.

3. Once inside the portal, click the Canvas icon to launch the learning management system.

Accessing Canvas through the portal ensures you're automatically connected to your official courses, tools, and support resources. If you encounter any issues logging in or navigating the system, contact the 24/7 helpdesk at (713) 313-4357 for log in assistance. 

Let’s get started—Canvas is just a click away! 

TSU Faculty - Getting Started with Canvas (10 Steps)

1. Log in to Canvas

   Canvas is your central hub for teaching and learning at TSU. Access your courses early to review and prepare them for your students.
   • Go to https://tsu.instructure.com or via the student portal Canvas tile. 
   • Sign in with your TSU Network ID and password. 
     
     

2. Update your Profile and Notifications
   

   Help students recognize you and ensure you receive important course updates. 
   • Go to Account > Profile to add a bio, profile picture, and contact information.
   • Adjust Notification Preferences (Account > Notifications) for messages, submissions, and announcements.
     
     

3. Access your Courses
   

   Locate your assigned course shells and confirm they are ready for setup. 
   • Check your Dashboard for all assigned courses.
   • If a course is missing, contact the Helpdesk.
   • Review the course template for consistent navigation and layout.
     
     

4. Review and Import
   

   Bring in course content from previous terms or from Blackboard, if needed. 
   • Check for migrated materials from Blackboard and review them for accuracy. 
   • Use Settings > Import Course Content to bring in additonal materials. 
   • Test links and files to ensure everything opens correctly.
     
     

5. Customize Course Navigation
   

   Make your course easy to navigate by showing only essential tools to students. 
   1. Go to Settings > Navigation to adjust menu items. 
   2. Hide unused tools like Attendance or Chat to streamline the student view. 
   3. Ensure Modules are enabled for structured content delivery. 
      
      

6. Add Your Syllabus
   

   Provide students with key information about your course and expectations 
   1. Use the Simple Syllabus tool to upload or paste your syllabus.
   2. Verify the auto-generated Course Summary reflects your assignments and due dates. 
      
      

7. Build Course Modules
   

   Organize your content into logical sections so students can follow the course flow. 
   1. Create Modules for weeks, topics, or units. 
   2. Add Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions to each Module. 
   3. Use requirements and prerequisites to guides students through content in order.
       

8. Communicate with Students
   

   Keep students informed and engaged through Canvas communication tools. 
   1. Post Announcements to share updates and reminders. 
   2. Use the Inbox (Conversations) to message individual students or the whole class. 
   3. Facilitate interaction with Discussion boards and other collaboration tools. 
      
      

9. Set Up Grading and the Gradebook
   

   Ensure your grading system is clear and aligned with your syllabus. 
   1. Configure Assignment Groups to match your grading cateogries (exams, homework, participation). 
   2. Set up weighting if you use percentage-based grading. 
   3. Review the Gradebook layout and adjust settings for late/missing submissions.
      
      

10. Publish Your Course and Get Support
    

    Make your course available and know where to get help when needed. 
    1. Use Student View to test your course before it goes live. 
    2. Publish your course so students can access it.
    3. For assistance, contact the TSU Helpdesk or explore Canvas self-help guides within your course. 

What to Expect

Faculty Workshops
Designed to help instructors set up and teach their courses in Canvas. Topics will include course migration, assignments, modules, quizzes, grading, and tools.

Student Readiness Sessions
Orientation-style walkthrough for navigating Canvas, accessing course content, submitting work, and staying on track with built-in notifications and calendars

Weekly Drop-in Office Hours
Open support sessions (virtual and on-campus) where faculty and students can receive one-on-one help from TSU Online staff.

Self-paced Learning
Access to official Canvas tutorials and guides, curated playlists from Canvas’ YouTube channel, and TSU-specific job aids available 24/7.

Key Dates 

Q: Can I still access Blackboard after August 2025?
A: Only faculty will have access through Dec 31, 2025. Student access ends on August 9th, 2025. 

Q: What happens to old Blackboard course content?
A: Export your course and migrate to Canvas by Dec 31. Contact your College/School Instructional Designer for assistance. 

Q: Will Canvas sync with Banner?
A: Yes, course enrollments and rosters are automatically synced.

Q: Do students/faculty need a new login?
A: No, login is the same as your TSU credentials.

Q: Will students be trained on how to use Canvas?
A: Yes, students will have access to a self-paced orientation course, workshops, and video tutorials.

Q: Can I copy my entire Blackboard course into Canvas?
A: Content can be exported from Blackboard and imported into Canvas, but some formatting and tools may need adjustment.

Q: What happens to my content if I don’t move it from Blackboard?
A: Blackboard access will be disabled after December 31, 2025, and your content will no longer be available.

Q: Is Canvas mobile-friendly?
A: Yes, Canvas has dedicated mobile apps for students and instructors, and the platform works well on smartphones and tablets.

Q: Will third-party tools (e.g., Turnitin, Zoom, Panopto) work in Canvas?
A: Most tools used in Blackboard are also integrated with Canvas. Visit the integrations section for updates.

Q: How do I request help migrating courses?
A: Use the Canvas Migration Support Request Form or contact TSU Online for hands-on help.

Q: Will Canvas courses be automatically created every term?
A: Yes, Canvas will be synced with Banner to automatically generate courses each term.

Q: Can I customize my course navigation in Canvas?
A: Yes, instructors can modify navigation to suit the course structure using Canvas settings.

Q: Will historical data from Blackboard be archived?
A: Yes, archives will be created for institutional compliance, but faculty should export their own records as needed.

Q: How do students submit assignments in Canvas?
A: Through the “Assignments” or “Modules” area. File upload, text entry, media, and Google integration are supported.

Q: Can I access Canvas off-campus?
A: Yes, Canvas is cloud-based and accessible anywhere with an internet connection.

Q: Is Canvas compatible with screen readers and accessibility tools?
A: Yes, Canvas is WCAG 2.1 AA compliant and works well with assistive technologies.

Q: Will there be departmental-specific training sessions?
A: Yes, TSU Online is coordinating Canvas training by College/School. Check the calendar for dates.

Q: Can I import quiz banks from Blackboard?
A: Yes, quiz banks can be imported, though some manual formatting may be required.

Q: How will I know if my students are engaging in Canvas?
A: Use Canvas analytics tools to track participation, login activity, and assignment progress.

Q: What happens if I miss a training session?
A: Recordings of all Canvas workshops will be available. Self-paced tutorials are also posted online.

Q: Can I still use email for class communication?
A: It is recommended to use Canvas Inbox for all course communications to ensure recordkeeping.

Q: How do I adjust due dates after copying a course?
A: Canvas offers a “Adjust Events and Due Dates” tool during course import.

Contact Us

Need help navigating Canvas, managing courses, or accessing support tools? Our TSU Online team is here for you!