Learning Management System (LMS) Evaluation
In 2022, the Faculty Technology Committee (FTC) and Information Services (IS) launched comprehensive pilots comparing two leading learning management systems: Blackboard Ultra and Instructure’s Canvas. These pilots, which concluded in the fall of 2024, offered an opportunity for faculty and students to teach and take courses over an entire semester on each platform, providing valuable insights into usability and preferences through end-of-term feedback.
During the 2024-2025 Academic Year, Information Services worked with a consultant to prepare for a Request for Proposals (RFP) for LMS providers to demonstrate how their solutions can meet the University of Richmond’s specific needs.
In the 2025-2026 school year, the Provost’s Office takes the lead on the LMS search, with the support of Information Services and others around the University. While the LMS transition is prompted by Anthology’s decision to sunset Blackboard Learn Original in December 2026, it also offers an opportunity to adopt an LMS that best supports teaching and improves the student academic experience. Faculty and student stakeholders will have opportunities to engage in the pre-selection process through surveys, focus groups, and product demonstrations.
Summer 2024 Classroom Technology Refresh
For summer 2024, the Information Services Telecommunications & Multimedia Support Services (TMSS) team updated firmware for the Mersive Solstice wireless presentation systems in more than 170 classrooms and meeting spaces across campus.
In addition, multimedia hardware upgrades were made to 30 classrooms. In addition to installing new projectors, TMSS updated the AMX control systems, which allow faculty and students to manage classroom multimedia from a single interface.
At the same time that TMSS updated classrooms and meeting spaces, the Academic Computing Services (ACS) team worked to update all classroom computers on campus. This included 610 Windows, 237 Macintosh, and 20 Linux systems. In addition, 98 classroom computers were replaced in summer 2024.
Much of the work that ACS performs every summer involves building systems with all of the needed applications, while managing the configuration challenges that result from many software programs being installed on the same computer. Managing hundreds of software application licenses is another effort for the team, as they work to ensure that every program runs successfully every time it is launched throughout the coming academic year.
Academic Computing Services managed their typical summer workload while welcoming two new team members, Carlos Flores-Melgar and Christina Shepperson. The team is grateful for the support of Macintosh Support Coordinator Nick Lydick, from the IS Help Desk team. Nick helped resolve an issue printing from classroom Macs before the start of the school year.
Both the routine updates and the new classroom hardware contribute to an excellent teaching and learning environment, with the Princeton Review rating the University of Richmond as the #9 Best Classroom Experience.
Computer Replacement 2024-2025
Every year, Information Services replaces approximately a quarter of all computers on campus. In addition to faculty and staff computers, that includes classroom computers. For 2024-25, that was 534 computers. Overseeing this process is Thomas Farrar, IS procurement coordinator.
The process of computer replacement began early in the Fall semester, as specifications for the new PCs and Macs were chosen. PC requirements were shared with several vendors through a request for proposals (RFP) process. A vendor decision was made in late January, followed quickly by virtual open house events for the staff and faculty receiving new systems this year. Information Services chose to continue our relationship with Lenovo for PCs.
The new computers began to arrive by mid-April. May 1 was the start of the process of delivering the new systems, a process that the Help Desk manages. Each system took 1 to 1.5 hours to set up. This year we had 2 PC technicians and 2 Mac technicians doing the installations, for an average of 8 PCs and 8 Macs per day.
Replacements continued throughout the summer, with the last few installs in the fall for faculty who were not available over the summer months. The new year’s replacement cycle has begun just as the last computers were delivered.
“The four-year computer replacement program keeps everyone up to date with changing technology. It’s a good investment of the University’s financial resources,” says Farrar.
Canva Pro Licensing for Students
In February 2025, in response to a request from the undergraduate student government associations, Information Services procured licenses for all students to Canva Pro. Canva is a graphic design platform to create visual content for presentations, websites, social media, and more.
Students can use Canva to create images and videos for class projects and presentations. The application is easy to use and comes with a large library of templates and visual assets. Canva comes with a drop-and-drag interface designed for users without professional design experience.
“By giving every student access to Canva Pro, we empower a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation through visual communication,” said Assistant Vice President for Telecommunications, Multimedia and User Support services Mark Nichols.