Alan Spivey update

Professor Alan Spivey provides an update on the Learning Management System project in December 2025. Play video
Professor Alan Spivey provides an update on the Learning Management System project in December 2025.

Summer term 2026 – An Update on Canvas Implementation by Professor Alan Spivey

As the summer term begins, we are entering the next stage of our plan to replace Blackboard and Insendi with Canvas, for the benefit of all staff and students at Imperial.

Over the past month, the project team has shared progress updates at a range of engagement events with departments, faculties, and Imperial leadership. Feedback has been very encouraging, and teams across Imperial are increasingly identifying benefits of Canvas as we continue to preview the platform together.

A recurring theme in these conversations, however, has been a sense that there is a lot of change to digital platforms and processes happening across the university this calendar year. This is a fair reflection. Alongside the Canvas programme, we are working at pace to improve systems across education, administration, and enrolment. It is important we prioritise our approach and ensure colleagues feel supported at every step.

In terms of Canvas rollout, we are now moving into the migration phase of the project. Training is also opening across all faculties. Our aim is to pace this work so that it supports you to get familiarised with Canvas as effectively as possible; while ensuring you have sufficient time to prepare ahead of go-live.

As we move toward launch, colleagues and students in the Business School will be our early adopters, with access to Canvas beginning from July 2026 onwards. All other postgraduates and undergraduates (including those studying in the Business School) will gain access from the start of their academic year in October 2026.

In the coming weeks, migration activity will progress, and we look forward to sharing further updates and guidance as the project develops. I want to thank everyone who has already contributed their time, expertise and enthusiasm to this significant step forward for our digital education environment. I look forward to continuing to work together as we build a more connected and consistent learning experience for our students.

Spring term – Deliver key user training and recruit Change Enablers. Business School begins transition to Canvas first.
Summer term – All programmes will begin transition to Canvas from April 2026​, with Business School going live first.
Autumn term – All programmes will go live in time for Academic Year 26/27.