Here’s what’s new for Summer 2026
(Additional updates will be added throughout the quarter. Newest updates at the top.)
- Instructor Token Expiration
- Canvas Downtime for Server Update
- Instructure's Free-for-Teacher Final Access Window
- Canvas Slack Database Upgrade
- Conversation Email Attachment Links Requires Login
- Canvas Database Upgrade
- Add Links to Course Navigation Menu
- Performance and Usability Upgrades for SpeedGrader
- aPlus+ Attendance Pilot
Instructor Token Expiration
As of 8/12/26, instructor-generated Canvas access tokens will expire 90 days after creation. Previously, only student tokens were required to expire (30 days).
Canvas Downtime for Server Update
Stanford University IT will update Canvas servers on Thursday, July 30 at 7pm. The expected downtime is approximately 5 minutes, but could last up to 30 minutes. During this time, Canvas login may be unavailable, and student enrollments and course updates will not be processed until the update is complete.
Instructure's Free-for-Teacher Final Access Window
If you used Instructure's Free-for-Teacher's Canvas instance, you may be aware the service was taken down. However, Instructure announced that they're providing one final access window from July 27 at 9:00pm till July 29 at 8:59pm for instructors to download content.
Canvas Slack Database Upgrade
UIT will be upgrading the Slack database on July 14 at 6AM. The downtime is expected to be around 2-3 hours. During the upgrade, new Slack integrations cannot be created. The upgrade will not affect existing Slack/LTI integrations.
Conversation Email Attachment Links Requires Login
Starting July 16, users must be logged in to see Canvas Inbox message attachments. Users can no longer see attachments from email notifications without signing in.
Canvas Database Upgrade
On August 4 at 2AM, Instructure (company that owns Canvas) will be performing a database upgrade. Canvas will be temporarily unavailable for 30 minutes, but possibly up to 1 hour starting around 2AM.
Add Links to Course Navigation Menu
Starting July 18, external links can be easily added as menu items within courses. Go to your Canvas course > Settings > Navigation > scroll down to the bottom of the enabled tools section and click the 'Add a Link' button. Links will be automatically added to the course navigation menu. Upon clicking on the new menu item, a new tab will open. Links cannot be edited once saved. To edit the link, you must delete and re-add a link. For more information, see Instructure's release notes.
Note: If you are adding a link that points to content within your Canvas course, use the Redirect app found in Settings > Apps > Redirect. This tool creates a more accessible path for students using screen readers.
Performance and Usability Upgrades for SpeedGrader
Starting June 17, instructors may notice a slightly new design to the SpeedGrader interface. This update focuses primarily on backend improvements for high-enrollment courses, including faster load times and increased stability. Minor UI changes include updated Section selector and Grade Status selector, as well as an improved comment attachment workflow with easier uploads and a clearer delete option.
Instructors can switch back to the old SpeedGrader UI until July 18. On that date, only the new interface will be available. Please note that there is a known-issue where if you switch back to the old UI through SpeedGrader > Settings gear > Options, the button to return to the new UI may not work. To access the new UI again, exit SpeedGrader and relaunch it.
aPlus+ Attendance Pilot
Learning Technologies and Spaces reviewed the aPlus+ Attendance tool and is conducting a Summer 2026 pilot. Summer 2026 instructors interested in participating in the pilot should contact canvashelp@stanford.edu.