Features and tools native to Canvas (not LTIs).
We have now enabled Enhanced Rubrics, as mentioned in our blog post from July 30.
The new enhancements bring an updated user interface that allows for easier creation, streamlined management across courses, and new display options for Instructors.
Please review Adding Rubrics on the Creating Assignments page for guidance that includes these changes.
Questions? Email canvas@pobox.upenn.edu.
Starting on August 17, 2026, you will notice a change to the layout and capabilities of the Rubrics area in Canvas as we upgrade to Enhanced Rubrics. Current rubrics for your courses will appear in this new layout with no additional action on your part. The classic version of Rubrics will no longer be available.
Enhanced Rubrics bring an updated user interface that allows for easier creation, streamlined management across courses, and new display options for Instructors. The view and experience will remain essentially unchanged for students.
Please see Rubric Management to view a step-by-step video on the new features as well as how to create an enhanced rubric from scratch.
For assistance with enhanced rubrics, contact your Local Support Provider or submit a request to canvas@pobox.upenn.edu.
We have now enabled Performance and Usability Upgrades for SpeedGrader, as mentioned in our blog post from June 16.
The new enhancements include an updated drop down menu for sections, refreshed states for “No Submission” and “Empty Course,” alignment with the grade status selector, consistency with rubric display, and improved comment attachment workflow.
Please review Using SpeedGrader for guidance that includes these changes.
Questions? Email canvas@pobox.upenn.edu.
Performance and Usability Upgrades for SpeedGrader will be enabled at Penn on July 2.
Most of the changes are minor, with minimal tweaks to grading workflow and the look and feel of the feature.
These enhancements include:
On July 2, our Using SpeedGrader guide will be updated. For more details, please read the vendor’s documentation. We will post again when the feature goes live.
If you have any questions, please email us at canvas@pobox.upenn.edu.
UPDATE 5/4/26 at 7pm: This issue has been resolved. Please note that Canvas will resubmit the affected submissions; it is worth noting that this may take a while to complete. Please direct any continuing issues to canvas@pobox.upenn.edu
Users may encounter errors accessing or generating reports in Turnitin for newly submitted assignments
Reports for previously submitted assignments do not appear to be affected and are still accessible.
For updates please see the vendor’s status page.
Canvas and all other integrated tools are available and working normally.
Please direct any questions to canvas@pobox.upenn.edu.
UPDATE 4/23/26 – This bug has been fixed. Please contact canvas@pobox.upenn.edu if you encounter any ongoing issues.
The Courseware Team has received multiple reports of a Speedgrader bug where a student’s submission only displays in a small strip at the top, making it difficult for instructors to grade and provide feedback.
We have put in a ticket with the vendor, and we will provide an update once the issue is solved.
As a workaround, drag the little grey triangle to the bottom of the page to resize the window.
All other Canvas tools are available and working normally.
Please direct any questions or concerns to canvas@pobox.upenn.edu.
The ePortfolios (Legacy) tool is being discontinued on June 30, 2026. All ePortfolios will be permanently deleted on that date.
Please direct questions to canvas@pobox.upenn.edu
We are pleased to announce that the new Course Request Form mentioned in our blog post from Feb. 18 is now live! It can be accessed at the same URL: https://courserequest.library.upenn.edu/.
The new form includes improved syncing with University data sources, a streamlined user experience, and new features like a preview for custom course titles and PennKey validation for additional enrollments. Updated instructions are available for how to request a course using the new form.
Please report any issues to canvas@pobox.upenn.edu
We’re excited to announce that a new Course Request Form will launch on February 25!
As part of the launch, the Library Course Request Form will be unavailable on Wednesday, February 25 from 9am-9:30am Eastern while we make the transition. Once this downtime is complete, the current URL will direct users to the New Form, so any existing links or bookmarks will continue to work. Instructions on how to use the new Course Request Form will be published on Canvas Info@Penn after the transition is complete.
While we do have contingencies for any site requests made after business hours on February 24, we would advise users to place any site requests before 5pm on February 24 or to wait until after the New Course Form is live on February 25.
Please direct any questions or concerns to canvas@pobox.upenn.edu.
On Sunday, February 1,from 6:02am to 9:02am Eastern New Quizzes may be unavailable in Penn Canvas and Open Canvas due to scheduled maintenance by the vendor.
This maintenance will only impact assessments created in New Quizzes.
Canvas and all other integrated tools (including Classic Quizzes) will be available and unaffected by this maintenance.
Please direct any questions or concerns to canvas@pobox.upenn.edu.
