LMS Transition – Timeline and Scope

A series of icons representing the different phases of the LMS transition.

This page provides an overview of UIC’s transition from Blackboard to Canvas.  The timeline highlights key milestones across each phase of the transition, while the sections below offer a closer look at what to expect during each semester.  Use this page to understand how the transition will unfold over time and where your work may align within each phase.

Rocket launching, representing the start of the Canvas transition and initial rollout.

Fall 2025

Faculty gain access to Canvas and begin preparing their courses for migration.  Canvas and accessibility workshops are offered to support course remediation, and the first cohort of colleges begins transitioning courses from Blackboard to Canvas facilitated by the LTS Learning Design Team.

Circular arrows forming a loop, representing ongoing transition and movement between systems.

Spring and Summer 2026

Colleges and schools continue migrating courses to Canvas while instructors teach in both Blackboard and Canvas. The second cohort of colleges begins transitioning courses from Blackboard to Canvas facilitated by the LTS Learning Design Team.

Hourglass with sand flowing, representing the final phase and limited time remaining for Blackboard use.

Fall 2026

This is the final semester Blackboard will be available for active teaching, as the university prepares for full transition to Canvas.

Closed padlock, representing Blackboard becoming read-only and no longer available for active use.

December 31, 2026

Anthology retires Blackboard Original.  After this date, all Blackboard courses shift to read-only mode and are no longer available for active instruction.

Person reaching a flag at the top of a hill, representing completion of the transition to Canvas.

Spring 2027

All courses are taught exclusively in Canvas marking the completion of the transition from Blackboard to Canvas.

Checkmark inside a circle, representing the completion of the transition and project closeout.

June 30, 2027

University-provided transition resources and specialized support contracts conclude at the end of the fiscal year.