Canvas users across the University of Nebraska system are experiencing a global outage affecting access to the learning platform. The disruption is part of a broader issue impacting Canvas users at multiple institutions.
Details are emerging as the situation develops. University officials are in contact with Instructure, the parent company to Canvas. Updates, including verbatim messages to faculty, staff and students, will be added here as they are available.
For the latest status updates, go to status.nebraska.edu.
May 8 | 1:08 p.m.
Partial access to Canvas restored
The University of Nebraska has restored access to several Canvas services. Canvas is now available at canvas.nebraska.edu.
Key integrated tools used for teaching, learning, and assessment — including Yuja, Canvas Quizzes, Turnitin and Respondus — are now live and ready for use.
Due to ongoing security precautions, the following services have not yet been restored within Canvas:
- Microsoft 365
- Zoom
- Unizin Data Platform
- Peoplesoft "Import Grades from Canvas" feature
Instructors can find guidance on how to enter grades without this feature at canvas.nebraska.edu/gradebook.
Functionality for Microsoft 365 and Zoom remains intact outside of Canvas and can still be accessed directly through their respective platforms.
Some users may notice a different appearance on the Canvas login page; be assured that it is safe to use.
Students who have questions or encounter issues can contact nusupport@nebraska.edu. Faculty may reach out to the Learning Technologies team at its-lmsteam@nebraska.edu.
The university will continue to assess security considerations and will restore additional Canvas services as soon as it is safe to do so. We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding during this time as we work to fully restore services.
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May 8 | 10:12 a.m.
University leaders continue to assess Canvas
While the parent company of Canvas has taken steps to restore access, the University of Nebraska continues to evaluate risk before opening access to faculty, staff and students. The University of Nebraska will continue to share updates with our faculty, staff and students. For latest updates, visit status.nebraska.edu.
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May 7 | 7:25 p.m.
Commencement will proceed as scheduled for May graduates
University of Nebraska–Lincoln students scheduled to graduate May 8-9 will be able to participate in commencement ceremonies despite Canvas disruptions affecting final coursework.
In a message sent to faculty and students, the university registrar said graduating seniors will continue to be eligible for commencement while instructors arrange alternative methods for submitting remaining assignments and exams.
Faculty with graduating students were instructed to contact those students directly with directions for completing coursework outside of Canvas. Instructors may still submit final grades through MyRED, though gradebook imports from Canvas are unavailable.
Students were advised to monitor their Husker email for updates from instructors regarding outstanding course requirements.
Those who participate in commencement with incomplete grades are expected to receive diploma covers with blank inserts. Once final grades are posted and degree requirements are completed, students will be notified and may pick up their diplomas at Husker Hub or request mailing.
Learn more about Nebraska's May commencement.
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May 7 | 7:08 p.m.
Next steps regarding UNL Canvas outage
Mark Button, UNL's executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer, issued the following message via email to the entire university community.
Dear UNL community,
You recently received a message that we are currently experiencing a significant global security event affecting Canvas. We understand that this may be stressful news to hear during finals week and right before graduation. We want to provide you with specific information to help you navigate the end of the semester at UNL.
- Canvas is not accessible for students, faculty, or staff.
- Course materials, assignments, and grading functions are unavailable.
- The Digital Learning Commons is not available; affected faculty and students have been notified.
- Nebraska’s ITS team is in active communication with our vendor and is closely monitoring the situation.
What you should do:
- Instructors: Please be prepared to communicate directly with your students via email or other available tools for any immediate course needs. Consider alternate methods of submitting assignments digitally or completing assignments in person on Friday. MyRed is still available for checking and submitting grades, although you won’t be able to import from the Canvas gradebook.
- Students: Watch your Husker email for communication from your instructors regarding assignments, deadlines, and next steps. Graduating students, watch your Husker email for a message from the Registrar, as well.
- All users: Please do not attempt to repeatedly log into Canvas, as it will not resolve the issue at this time.
We recognize the disruption this event is causing, particularly for students who are still submitting coursework and were scheduled to take exams in the Digital Learning Commons. We want to assure students that your grade will not be jeopardized by this outage. Your instructors will work closely with you to make sure you can successfully complete your coursework.
We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available, including estimated restoration timelines. Updates will be available at status.nebraska.edu.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this situation together.
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May 7 | 4:52 p.m.
University assessing Canvas disruption
On the afternoon of May 7, Canvas users around the world, including all four NU campuses, experienced interruptions to access.
Canvas remains unavailable across the University of Nebraska system. The university is in contact with Instructure, the parent company of Canvas, and will update the NU community as more information is available. For updates, visit https://status.nebraska.edu/.
