Canvas Release Schedule

Canvas Environments Overview

Canvas is committed to enhancing the user experience through an agile production cycle. Updates, including bug fixes, enhancements, and new features, are managed across three Canvas environments: Beta, Test, and Production. All environments are accessible through web platforms and mobile apps using the appropriate URL. Refer to this link for additional information.

Release Schedule and Updates

Releases provide advance notice of upcoming changes to the Canvas platform. Detailed feature information can be found here.

• Subscribe: Stay updated via the Canvas Updates Calendar (Google).

Environment Details

Beta Environment

• URL: jcu.beta.instructure.com
• Purpose: Testing and QA review of upcoming features and updates before they go live.
• Timeline: Code in the beta environment refreshes every Saturday and moves to production about one month later, following customer feedback and QA testing.

Production Environment

• URL: jcu.instructure.com
• Purpose: The live environment where users interact with Canvas daily.
• Updates: New functionality becomes available on pre-announced dates and is released on the third Saturday of each month.

Test Environment

• URL: jcu.test.instructure.com
• Purpose: Allows testing with real data without affecting user content.
• Reset Schedule: The test environment is refreshed on the third Saturday of each month and released on the first Monday after production release.