Canvas Update: New Method for Adding or Changing Due Dates

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We’re all familiar with how to change the due dates or availability dates for an individual assignment, discussion, or quiz – you go into the settings, scroll down, and add or modify the dates. Now, if you follow that exact same method, you find a “Manage Assign To” link that slides out a panel where you can update all the information. While this change may seem confusing, it enables Canvas to modify how and where the “assign” feature can operate – and it can simplify the processes we use to work with these dates.

The settings page for a Canvas Assignment with the "Assign Access" section circled and the "Assign To" panel slid over the screen. — *The new “assign to” feature inside of an assignment’s settings page with the “Assign To” panel slid out.*

With this feature update, you can now update dates directly from the Modules or Assignments/Discussions/Quizzes pages. On any of these pages, click the three dots for a particular assignment, then click “Assign To…”

The Assignments page in Canvas with the three dots settings menu selected for one assignment. In that menu, "Assign To..." is highlighted. — *The Canvas options menu for an assignment with “Assign To…” selected*.

The panel will slide out (just as it does if you click “Manage Assign To” in the settings page), and you can quickly change the dates and times. Click “save,” and you’re all set!

The Assignments page with the "Assign To" panel slid over the screen. — *The Canvas “Assign To” panel slid out over the Assignments page.*

And this isn’t all – you can also now work with dates on the “landing page” for an individual assignment instead of needing to then go into the settings page.

At the top of an Assignment, Discussion, or Classic Quiz (New Quizzes does not have this style of landing page), you’ll now see an “Assign To” button.

The landing page for an assignment with the "Assign To" button circled. — *The landing page for a Canvas Assignment with the “Assign To” button highlighted*.

Click that button, and the panel will slide out, allowing you to change the dates and save your changes.

The landing page for an assignment with the "Assign To" panel slid over the screen. — *The Canvas “Assign To” panel slid out over an assignment’s landing page.*

Even though this is a big change, it should also be one that helps you navigate changing dates in Canvas a little more efficiently. And while we’re talking efficiency – remember that Canvas does still allow you to change the due dates and times for multiple assignments simultaneously!

Have questions? We’d love to answer them! Drop them in a comment below or email us at ctl@cedarville.edu.