Learning management system transitions often get framed as technical upgrades or logistical lifts—but in reality, they are deeply human processes. At UMass Amherst, as we transitioned from Moodle and Blackboard to Canvas, communication wasn’t an afterthought. It was a strategic pillar—and one of the most delicate aspects of the entire effort.
Communication Planning: Getting the Message Right, Together
From the beginning, we partnered closely with IT Communications to design a comprehensive messaging strategy. Every email, every info session, every web page had to align not only with the project timeline, but also with the expectations and experiences of our end users.
We knew that unclear or conflicting messages could ripple across departments and sow confusion. So we built every communication around clarity, timing, and consensus. Before we hit send on anything, we ensured all key stakeholders had reviewed and signed off. That meant sometimes slowing down in order to move forward effectively—because when you’re speaking to an entire university, precision matters.
Stakeholder Engagement: Campus-Wide Conversations
Throughout the transition, I found myself in meetings with stakeholders across every corner of campus—faculty champions, department chairs, program coordinators, and administrative leads. It was crucial to keep these groups informed and involved, not just because of their influence, but because they were the ones translating high-level strategy into day-to-day action.
These conversations helped shape our messaging tone, identify champions within each department, and anticipate concerns before they escalated. LMS transitions can stir up strong feelings—especially when instructors have been using the same systems for over a decade. Consistent, transparent communication with leadership helped anchor the entire process.
Supporting Instructor Buy-In and Easing Anxieties
One of the most common questions I heard during this transition was, “Do I really have to switch?” Understandably, many instructors were worried about the time, effort, and potential disruption of moving to a new LMS.
So we approached these conversations with empathy and honesty. Drawing on my past experience at Texas State, I developed a framework of instructor personas—each representing different comfort levels and use cases with technology. This helped us create messaging and support that met people where they were. Some instructors needed reassurance that Canvas wasn’t a blank slate. Others wanted to know how quickly they could replicate their old setup. And some just wanted to know someone would be there if things went sideways.
We didn’t sugarcoat the transition—but we reminded everyone that they wouldn’t be alone. From concierge migration support to live trainings to quick reference guides, we gave instructors options, and ownership. And over time, that built confidence.
💬 “What helps people feel good about big changes?” It’s not just the promise that something will be better. It’s the feeling that someone is walking with you through the change—that you won’t be left behind.”
Keeping the Support Team in Sync
Internally, one of the biggest challenges was making sure that our own teams stayed aligned. As we discovered new quirks, features, or limitations in Canvas, we had to quickly relay that knowledge across IDEAS, IT, and other support units.
That meant a lot of internal trainings, documentation updates, and yes—meetings. But these touchpoints were essential. We couldn’t afford to have mixed messages going out to instructors. If I learned something new about Canvas, I made sure everyone else who might field a support request knew it too.
That shared knowledge helped us respond faster, troubleshoot smarter, and present a united front.
Change Is Technical—but Adoption Is Personal
You can have the cleanest migration, the best training materials, and the most technically sound rollout—and still fall short if you don’t take the human side seriously.
Change management isn’t just about planning for disruption. It’s about listening, adapting, and communicating in ways that make people feel seen and supported. That’s what we aimed for during our transition to Canvas. And while the technology changed, our commitment to our community didn’t.
