New bCourses “Assign To…” Workflow & Features

July 24, 2024

UPDATE -  AUGUST 29, 2024: Based on user feedback, the vendor has rolled back the “Assign To…” tray interface described below, reverting to the original design for assigning due dates and assignees. 

On July 20th, all users were migrated to a new “Assign To…” workflow interface when assigning Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions in bCourses. No functionality has been removed. To set due dates and assign content to students, select the blue “Manage Due Dates and Assign To” link at the bottom of the page in the new user interface.

IMPORTANT NOTE - AUGUST 7, 2024: Based on user feedback, the vendor will be rolling back some of these user interface changes in August (exact date to be determined). The “Assign To…” tray interface will revert back to the original design for assigning due dates and assignees. 

The original design for assigning due dates and assignees is a card embedded at the bottom of the page for Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions:

Screenshot of the original "Assign to" design

What has temporarily changed in bCourses? On bCourses Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions, you will currently see the new, temporary “Assign To…” interface:

The “Manage Assign To” link replaces the traditional location of the “Assign To” settings: When editing an Assignment, Discussion, or Quiz, select the blue “Manage Assign To” link to see the options for assignees, due dates, and availability dates. You won’t see the “Assign to…” card at the bottom of the page for the time-being.

Screenshot of the new “Manage Assign To” link, which replaces the traditional location of the “Assign To” settings.

The “Assign To…” tray replaces the traditional “Assign To” cards: The “Assign To…” settings now slide out on a tray from the right side of the screen when you select the blue “Manage Assign To” link. Use this panel to designate assignees, due dates, and availability dates. You need to select the “Apply” button at the bottom of the tray (you’ll see a “Pending Changes” notification) and then select “Save” on the Assignment to save your changes.


Note: If you ignore the “Manage Assign To…” settings, it will default to “Everyone” in the course and will not have due dates and availability dates. If you import assignments with due dates from a previous course, you will need to update the due dates in order to save the assignment. 

Screenshot of the new  “Assign To…” tray, which replaces the traditional “Assign To” cards.

What changes will remain in bCourses? Learning activities now have an “Assign To…” shortcut button at the top: When viewing an Assignment, Discussion, Page, or Quiz, you can select the “Assign To” button to quickly manage assignees, due dates, and availability dates.

Screenshot of the new “Assign To…” shortcut button at the top of learning activity pages.

What do instructors need to do?
No action is required from instructors. This page will be updated when the official date for the change back to the original design is confirmed.

Why is this change occurring now?

The vendor required that all users move to the new interface on July 20, 2024. However, due to user feedback, the vendor has decided to roll back the changes. You can read more about the decision on the
Canvas Product Blog

What if instructors have questions or encounter issues?
Instructors can contact bCourseshelp@berkeley.edu or schedule a 1:1 bCourses consultation

What if I want to opt out?

As of July 20, 2024, only the new user interface design is available. However, the vendor is committed to releasing the change back to the original design in August. Once the change is made, only the original user interface design will be available.