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As we begin the Fall 2025 semester, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank each of you—our faculty and staff—for the incredible amount of work you've done in preparation. This fall looks different than previous terms. With several new systems, tools and supports now in place, we are entering a period of transformation that aims to better support student success and streamline our administrative workflows.

From learning new platforms to supporting major changes in academic accommodations and admissions processes, your adaptability, dedication and collaborative spirit are what make these improvements possible. Below, you'll find important updates on several initiatives that are shaping our university this semester.

Canvas 

The U of A's transition to a new Learning Management System (LMS) is now complete, and all for-credit courses are hosted in Canvas for the first time this semester. Some instructors have already completed a full academic year using Canvas, while others are just beginning with their Fall 2025 courses. Whether you were an early adopter or recently made the switch, thank you for the time and effort you’ve put into migrating your courses and learning the platform.

Canvas is helping us make teaching and learning more engaging and efficient. For those looking to go beyond the basics, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will continue to offer training and support throughout the semester.

Accessibility Enhancement Project – Accommodate

Just two months ago, Student Success and Experience launched Accommodate, U of A's new academic accommodations platform. This web-based tool provides a streamlined, user-friendly experience for both students and instructors. It simplifies the accommodations process, clearly outlines instructor action items, and makes managing exam proctoring requests much easier.

Approved accommodated exams can now be accessed directly through a course dashboard in Canvas. Students and instructors registered for accommodations can log in to Accommodate .

Project iGUANA

The Fall 2025 semester marks a major shift for graduate admissions at the U of A as takes shape. Moving graduate admission applications from GSMS to Slate will enable us to improve the application process for prospective graduate students and introduce new tools for strategic enrolment planning in graduate education. Some of you already have experience using Slate for undergraduate admissions applications, while others will encounter the portal for the first time this term. Thank you for your flexibility and effort as we move through this transition together. To help you along the way, the iGUANA team will be sharing regular updates, offering demos and feedback opportunities, and making sure you have access to the resources you need.

Disability Cultures + Access Hub 

For students, faculty and staff arriving at our campuses for the first time, and even those returning and re-orienting themselves, accessibility can be challenging to navigate, especially with the many barriers that exist within our spaces, systems and services. The new Disability Cultures and Access Hub (DCA Hub) is designed to support students, faculty and staff in identifying and addressing disability-related barriers, registering for and implementing accommodations, and engaging more deeply with disability cultures on our campuses.

This new hub will serve as a valuable resource for promoting inclusion and accessibility across the university.

Culture of Consent + SGBV Awareness Training 

The ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ remains deeply committed to fostering a culture of consent and increasing awareness around sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). I encourage all faculty, staff and students to explore the new SGBV Awareness Training page, where you’ll find brief videos and key information on available supports.

Please share this resource with your students and take the time to engage with the materials yourselves as we work together to create a safer, more supportive campus community.

University Commons official opening 

On September 3, we celebrated the grand opening of University Commons — formerly the Dentistry/Pharmacy Centre — with an official flag-raising ceremony. Located in the heart of North Campus, this revitalized space brings together academic, research, service and administrative units under one roof.

Importantly, University Commons is now home to the Student Service Centre, where staff are ready to help new and returning students succeed. If you’re supporting students who need assistance, please direct them to the new location at 2-180 University Commons.

This fall represents a bold step forward in how we support our students and operate as a university. Thank you for embracing change, working collaboratively and continuing to demonstrate your commitment to excellence.

Wishing you a successful and rewarding semester.