NC State is preparing to transition to a new learning management system (LMS) — a change that will shape how the university supports teaching and learning for years to come. The announcement was made today by Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Warwick Arden and Vice Provost for DELTA Donna Petherbridge.
On July 24, 2025, the UNC System Board of Governors unanimously approved a resolution to move all system institutions to a single, unified LMS. This fall, the system signed a master agreement with Canvas by Instructure, a widely used platform in higher education and K-12 settings nationwide.
This decision aligns NC State with many North Carolina educational partners that are already using Canvas, including the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the majority of UNC System institutions.
We understand that transitioning to a new LMS will be a significant undertaking for our campus community, and we are approaching this change with great care,” said Petherbridge. “Through intentional and collaborative planning, we will make this transition one that strengthens our teaching community and positions our students for success long into the future.
Why Canvas?
The system-wide transition to Canvas is designed to enhance collaboration and improve the student experience by streamlining platforms across institutions. Key benefits include:
- 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.
What It Means for NC State Instructors
NC State will continue using Moodle, which remains fully supported for the foreseeable future. No action is required from instructors or students at this time.
The transition to Canvas will take place gradually over several years, with careful planning, testing and communication throughout the process.
DELTA Leading the Path Forward
DELTA will serve as the lead unit managing the transition, and will partner with NC State’s community of instructors, university leaders, the Office of Information Technology and academic units across campus.
In the months ahead, DELTA will:
- Gain early access to Canvas to learn the platform in-depth and train our community of instructors;
- Develop a detailed implementation timeline and campus-wide approach to training; and
- Test system integrations, conduct migration pilots and engage with campus stakeholders to support a smooth and informed transition.
DELTA will share updates as details develop, and a comprehensive training and support structure will be provided well ahead of any changes.
Stay Connected
DELTA has launched an inquiry form to ask questions and share feedback throughout the planning process. Input from our campus community will inform planning, FAQs and further communication efforts.
For more information, and to stay up-to-date as planning progresses, visit the LMS transition webpage, subscribe to the DELTA Connections monthly newsletter and follow DELTA on LinkedIn.
This post was originally published in DELTA News.
