The process for transitioning to a new LMS is comprehensive and transparent. The Teaching Technology Advisory Committee has outlined a phased approach.
Previous Milestones
Fall 2024
- Teaching with Technology Advisory Committee convened to discuss the future of the university’s learning management system
- On-campus demonstrations scheduled for Blackboard Ultra, Canvas, and Brightspace
- Blackboard Ultra in October 2024 on Zoom and March 2025 in person
- Canvas in November 2024
- Brightspace in January 2025
Spring 2025
- Create campaign materials announcing an LMS review
- Sandboxes provided by LMS vendors to committee members and faculty by request
- Feedback requested from faculty from March – April 2025
Summer 2025
- Submit a request for proposal, which was released July 7, 2025
- Proposal submission deadline for vendors: August 5, 2025
- Review proposals and make a recommendation to the Procurement Office
Fall 2025
- Vendor finalist is selected and approved from UCA Board of Trustees and Arkansas Legislative Council – October 2025
- Begin training with the new LMS vendor – Late November 2025
- Faculty trainers are recruited to assist with LMS transition – December 2025
Current Term
Spring 2026
- Spring 2026 courses remain in Blackboard Learn
- Develop campaign to promote training
- Training with the new LMS vendor begins- January 2025
- Training faculty on the new LMS begins- February 2026
- Course migration begins, prioritizing Summer course offerings
Future Milestones
Summer 2026
- Summer 2026 courses MUST be offered in Brightspace
- Blackboard Learn Original is no longer available after June 30, 2026
Fall 2026
- ALL courses will be offered in Brightspace
- Blackboard Learn Original transitions to read-only access on December 31, 2026