MSU Provost thanks faculty and staff for Canvas response

Dear Colleagues,

The major national cyber incident that affected Canvas systems across the country and here on our campus last week demonstrated yet again how we as the Bulldog Family pull together in adversity.  

One could hardly ask for worse timing for our learning management system to go down – the beginning of final exams, and the day before a weekend (that included Mother’s Day!) to boot. We discussed a variety of options, and I told President Keenum we had to make “the least bad choice” in a difficult set of circumstances. 

Time and again over the weekend, I heard wonderful stories of how you, our faculty, adapted and extended grace to our students in a highly stressful situation. The options provided, the adaptability, and the sympathy for our students made me yet again proud to count myself as a part of this great group of educators. Thank you!

Along with our peers across the country, we will work with the vendor to make Canvas more secure and reliable. I hope you are preparing for a wonderful summer break, and time to recharge and rejuvenate. 

Hail State! 

David R. Shaw

Provost and Executive Vice President