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Canvas Transition – FAQs

General FAQs

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 LMS 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; and
  • Improved collaboration and easier sharing of course materials across institutions.

Has an LMS system been selected?

Yes, the UNC System has selected Canvas by Instructure.

What is the timeline for the transition from Moodle to Canvas?

This will be a multi-year process. Faculty will be provided with clear timelines and support as we collectively navigate this transition as a university. DELTA is in the early stages of creating a transition timeline to be shared on this website and across multiple faculty communication vehicles.

How will this impact me?

Faculty and instructors will eventually need to transition their courses into Canvas. This will not be an overnight transition, and DELTA will provide hands-on training and support throughout the process. DELTA will share more information on timelines and expected impacts as we receive more information.

Where do I go with questions or comments?

Your feedback is important and will help inform planning and communications throughout the process. Feel free to reach out to the LearnTech Help Desk (opens in new window) (learntech@ncsu.edu) with questions or comments.

Timeline

When can I start exploring Canvas on my own?

Instructors will have the option to create a Project Space starting October 5, 2026. Starting that day, instructors can create a Project Space within their account to explore Canvas features and functionality at their own pace.

Migration

How can I make sure my course transfers to Canvas as seamlessly as possible?

We understand this concern, and we are working with Canvas developers to improve their existing Moodle-to-Canvas migration process. Our shared goals are to have a tool that moves most course materials. DELTA will also work with instructors to identify alternatives for items that cannot be migrated.

Will I be able to simply move all the content from my Moodle course, or will I have to start from scratch in Canvas? I have hundreds of quiz questions in my course.

DELTA is working diligently with Canvas developers to improve their existing Moodle-to-Canvas migration process. DELTA will also work with instructors to identify alternatives for items that cannot be migrated. Review the Moodle to Canvas Equivalencies table to identify the resources, activities, and external tools in Moodle that will and will not move to Canvas.

Are there AI solutions to help us with the migration from Moodle to Canvas?

We are exploring how AI tools like Gemini might be used to make Canvas importing easier. We are also investigating how AI might help instructors revise content, layouts, etc. to be more Canvas-friendly. If you are interested in AI in Teaching and Learning, consider joining the NC State AI in Teaching and Learning community.

Integrations

How will third-party integrations like Turnitin, Panopto, Packback, etc. work in Canvas?

Most systems that integrate with Moodle also integrate with Canvas, though the functionality may differ. As DELTA prepares Canvas for NC State, we will be working through all of the integrations and determine how they function in Canvas.

Accessibility

What do we know about digital accessibility in Canvas?

We will be working closely with OIT to review the Canvas Accessibility Checker, as well as external accessibility tools comparable to Brickfield. Universally designed and fully accessible courses are a priority for NC State, and we will continue to give our community of instructors the tools they need to deliver courses in which all students can learn.

Will I have to re-do the digital accessibility work I am doing (or have done) in Moodle?

If you are using Brickfield to make changes to your Moodle course or update any formatting manually, you can expect the underlying HTML code (where the improvements ultimately lie) to transition well to Canvas. We encourage you to continue making your Moodle course accessible, which will result in a more accessible Canvas course. We will also provide a robust accessibility checker in Canvas to identify and help fix inaccessible course content.

Moodle Projects

Will we have access to something like Moodle Projects in Canvas?

We know that the flexibility of the Projects server meets many needs on campus. While we don’t yet know exactly how Canvas will be implemented at NC State, we plan to ensure that faculty and staff have an environment that meets their needs to support our students and build their courses.

Moodle Outreach

Will Canvas replace Moodle Outreach for Extension training programs?

We will be using Canvas to support Outreach courses. The exact timeline for the transition is not yet determined, but it will be a multiyear process. Please stay tuned for updates on the transition timeline.

Will we offer transition services for Moodle Outreach and Moodle Projects courses?

We intend to offer transition support and DELTA is working diligently with Canvas developers to improve their existing Moodle-to-Canvas import process. Review the Moodle to Canvas Equivalencies table to identify the resources, activities, and external tools in Moodle that will and will not move to Canvas. Note that many instructors who have reviewed Canvas and Moodle or worked at institutions that went through this transition have found it’s easier to start fresh in Canvas and only move in necessary content from Moodle.

Student Experience

When will students start using Canvas?

Students can expect to have a portion of their enrolled courses delivered through Canvas beginning in the Summer 2027 semester. Prior to Summer 2027, some students may be utilizing both Moodle and Canvas if an instructor is part of the Early Access cohort.

Which system will students be using during the transition?

Between Fall 2026 and Summer 2028, students will have courses delivered in both Canvas and Moodle, depending on which system each of their instructors has chosen. Students will receive instructions on how to access their courses in either system.

Support

Will the university provide support for Canvas or will I have to reach out to Canvas? What about student support?

DELTA will support instructors with Canvas just as we currently do with Moodle, through our faculty help desk service (learntech@ncsu.edu), workshops, consultations, knowledge base, etc. Students will continue to receive support from the NC State Help Desk (help@ncsu.edu).

Canvas Security Incident Update

Updated 5/28/26

DELTA takes the security of faculty and student data seriously across all platforms and systems we manage. In response to the recent Canvas security breach, DELTA has taken steps to strengthen platform security, including broadening multi-factor authentication requirements, hardening authentication protocols, and investigating data backup options.

We are also incorporating lessons learned into our PackReady Disaster Recovery plans and reviewing security postures across all instructional tools DELTA supports. As we work towards the Canvas transition, DELTA will continue to advocate for strong security standards from Instructure and ensure that safeguards within NC State’s control are in place before we proceed to full production.