Welcome to the start of the 2026/27 academic year! This guide is designed to help academic staff at Queen’s smoothly transition into the new semester with essential resources and updates for using Canvas effectively. The guide highlights tasks that will need attention, along with helpful information that can enhance your teaching experience but doesn’t require action. Whether you’re preparing your courses, introducing Canvas to new students, or exploring the latest features, this guide provides everything you need to get started.
What’s new in QUB Canvas for AY2026/27
As we prepare for the new academic year, we are pleased to share a range of updates to Canvas designed to support teaching and learning more effectively.
We encourage all staff to review the latest features and changes to ensure you are fully equipped for the year ahead. View all the latest updates to QUB Canvas here.
24x7x365 Support for Staff and Students
Canvas Tier 1 Support is available 24x7x365. We offer support for technical queries as well as providing advice on how Canvas can be used, the ‘how do I’ type questions. The Canvas Tier 1 Team can be reached via the ‘Help’ menu in Canvas. A number of contact methods are available to you:
- Support Ticket – Submit a ticket via Canvas ‘Help‘ menu
- Email – support@instructure.com
- Web – Canvas Community
- Phone – +44-(0)-80-0060-8549
Canvas Course Setup for September 2026
Canvas Courses (Academic Modules) for the upcoming 2026/27 Academic Year are now available on Canvas. This guide outlines key steps and includes short video tutorials to help you create an engaging online learning environment. Additional detailed guidance including the ‘Go Live Checklist’ are also linked throughout. Access detailed guidance here.
Optimise your Module with the new Microsoft Education Integration in Canvas
From 17 August 2026, a new Microsoft Education integration will be available in Canvas, bringing together Microsoft Teams and OneDrive to support teaching and learning. This blog post explains what the new integration means for you, highlights the benefits for each app, outlines the new process for creating Module Teams, and provides an overview of how OneDrive will work within Canvas to help you prepare for the new academic year.
Getting Ready for Lecture Recording in AY26/27
This page on Getting Ready for Lecture Recording brings together key information and support resources to help teaching staff get ready for automated lecture recording in AY26/27. You’ll find practical guidance on what to do before, during and after teaching to help ensure a smooth recording experience for both you and your students.
Copyright, Attribution and Citation in Recorded Teaching
This guide outlines key considerations when using third-party content in recorded teaching and provides practical advice on attribution and citation. Learn more about guidance outlined in the QUB Recording of Teaching Policy within this blog post: Copyright, Attribution and Citation in Recorded Teaching
Maximise Your Canvas Skills
Explore the Training Catalogue on Queen’s DigiHub to access all of the latest training videos, covering Canvas Fundamentals, Assignment Setup, Turnitin, and more. Keep up with essential tools and techniques to enhance your teaching and assessment in Canvas.
A-Z of Canvas Course Features
Canvas Guidance for Administrative and Support Staff
Guidance is available for administrative and support staff involved in managing Canvas access and resources for their School. This includes Queen’s-specific video tutorials and links to additional guidance, focusing on the key tasks related to the role. Find out more: Canvas for Support Staff.
Introducing Canvas to New Students: Resources for AY2026/27
A number of resources are available for Schools to signpost to new students when introducing Canvas at the start of term. The Canvas Introduction Slide Deck is the primary resource, supported by additional materials detailed in this guide: Introducing Canvas in AY2026/27.
Transition Skills for University
“Transition Skills for University” is a Canvas course with seven interactive academic skills units for undergraduates at Queen’s. Developed by the Learning Development Service with input from university services and students, these units offer video interviews, instructional content, and downloadable resources. They can be integrated into modules for teaching or independent study, providing practical guidance and promoting healthy learning. Click the link for more details and Canvas integration instructions.
