Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

General Questions (Students & Faculty)

  • IU has restored Canvas with limited functionality. See the full list of available Canvas functions and check back often as it will be updated as tools become available.  
  • Native Canvas tools—including Assignments, Gradebook, SpeedGrader, Rubrics, Quizzes, Files, Pages, Modules, Discussions, Announcements, Inbox, and Calendar—are available. Many integrated tools (such as Kaltura, Gradescope, Top Hat, Turnitin, and IU eTexts publisher tools) are being brought back in stages as security validation is completed.  

The data breach was contained within the Canvas system, which is operated by Instructure. Canvas is working with a Third Party to complete the ongoing investigation. IU has restored Canvas with limited functionality to continue protecting your data and the IU community. We will share additional information as the investigation progresses. 

This incident affects Canvas, not personal devices or IU-issued devices. As always, you should keep your devices up to date and follow standard cybersecurity practices. 

All users can update their passphrase, but it’s not required at this time. Here are instructions on how to reset yours. 

Phishing attempts often increase following security incidents. Be on alert for messages related to the incident, fees, password resets, and any messages asking you to submit information. See phishing.iu.edu for guidance on how to spot and report phishing attempts. 

Faculty Questions

Canvas is available with limited functionality. You can access your courses, files, and gradebook. We strongly recommend downloading a backup copy of your gradebook and any critical course files now that access has been restored.  

You can communicate with students through Canvas Announcements and Inbox, which are available. You can also access your class rosters, including student email addresses, by following the instructions in the related Knowledge Base article. For high-priority messages, we recommend using IU email. 

Due to the Canvas outage, grade reporting deadlines for all campuses were moved to Thursday, May 14 at 8:00 p.m., aligning with the existing IU Indianapolis deadline. IU's grading policyprovides flexibility for disruptions like this one, including the option to assign an incomplete. 

  • Existing student grades are now available in Canvas. However, direct grade transfer from Canvas to IU’s student information system (SIS) has been turned off as a protective measure.  
  • Because direct grade transfer from Canvas to SIS is turned off, you'll need to submit grades through the Faculty Center at one.iu.edu. You have two options: 
    • Manual entry. Download your grades from the Canvas Gradebook and enter them into the Faculty Center. 
    • CSV upload. For larger classes, upload your grades as a CSV fileinstead of entering them by hand. 

  • Many integrated tools (Kaltura, Gradescope, Turnitin, Top Hat, IU eTextspublisher tools, and others) are being restored in stages, pending security validation. In the meantime, native Canvas tools can serve as workarounds for most workflows. Keep Teaching has guidance on alternatives. 
  • Direct support and related resources are available to assist you. Visit Keep Teachingto request one-on-one assistance.  

For help with course continuity, alternative assessments, or instructional adjustments, contact your Campus Teaching center. For technical help, your campus IT Support Center.