FAQs

The following FAQs answer questions about migration and the timeline after the university selected Canvas as our new learning management system.

If you wish to read the historical FAQs that existed during the evaluation process, please visit the archived FAQ page.

How can I migrate my existing content from TRACS to Canvas?

Between September 1, 2019 and January 6th, 2020 Texas State will work closely with Canvas professional developers to build a course migration tool allowing a site owner to migrate their content/courses from TRACS into Canvas. This tool will be available for use beginning in Spring 2020.

Will I be able to create project sites in Canvas?

Project sites will be accommodated within the Texas State implementation of Canvas. 

When will TRACS disappear?

The last semester a course can be taught using TRACS is Fall 2020. This means the last month a course site can be prepared in TRACS will be in August 2020.

TRACS goes into a "read-only" state in January 2021. This means you can log in and continue to access content and data, but you can't develop or publish new courses or sites.

TRACS will move into an archival state in January 2023. This means you won't be able to access content anymore; it would only be available per statutory data retention policies.

When can I log into Canvas?

The Texas State team and Canvas team will be working hard to set up the new LMS environment during Fall semester 2019. Efforts will focus on getting everything ready so you can jump in as soon as possible. We will announce availability once we've tested everything and you'll be free to start your experience with Canvas before Spring 2020. Be on the lookout for announcements on our webpage as well as through DOIT communications.

When will faculty teach in Canvas?

New faculty hired during the Fall semester 2019 will receive direct communications regarding Canvas training for the Spring 2020 semester.

Current faculty may elect to teach in Canvas beginning in Spring 2020 - look for email invitations to register for Canvas training in late Fall 2019.

In late Fall 2019, faculty can enroll in the "Growing with Canvas" course available free. IT includes five modules of content that will guide users through using Canvas - no matter what level. Be on the lookout for announcements on when you can log in to Canvas for the first time. Watch for communications via email inviting you to hands-on workshops in the coming months. Look for invites to enroll in early training.

Not ready to make the move? No problem, TRACS will be open and available throughout 2020 to current faculty. However, in Spring 2021 TRACS will not be available for teaching, but you'll still have access to your content. 

What training and support opportunities will be available for Canvas?

Beginning in late Fall 2019, the entire campus community will have access to personalized subscription training through Canvas. This includes access to over 40 unique live webinars. Each 60-minute session is delivered by two dedicated trainers. Select from a wide variety of training topics such as: administration, support, course management, instructional design, as well as targeted topics like learning outcomes and rubrics, assessments, grading, and Canvas mobile apps.

Faculty will be able to enroll in the free "Growing with Canvas" course that has five modules of content that will guide users through everything you need to know about using Canvas - no matter what level.

Texas State instructors, students, and administrators will have 24/7 365 access to helpful guides and Canvas training. You can even receive badges and points for participating.

How was the decision made for choosing Canvas?

This decision is the culmination of more than two years of research by staff in the Division of Information Technology (DOIT) and the Office of Distance and Extended Learning (ODEL) in Academic Affairs. Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff members tested the systems and provided feedback. The information from these efforts was combined into a report and presented to the Learning Management System Advisory Committee on May 15. The committee unanimously recommended to us that Canvas be chosen as Texas State’s new LMS. 

To learn more about how the decision was made, visit the pages linked below:

• Announcement communication about the Canvas selection from the Provost and Vice President for Information Technology
• Evaluation project timeline: Shows the timeline of events and activities that occurred from the start of the project to the selection.
• Pilot information page: Information on the pilot, where real Texas State courses were taught in the finalist systems.
• Sandbox information page: Information on the sandbox, where anyone from campus could get into the systems and test them, and provide valuable feedback on their experiences.