Canvas logo, MSU logo, and silhouettes of mountains

 

Merged courses, also known as cross-listed courses, combine multiple sections into a single offering. This simplifies teaching workflows in Brightspace. To ensure a smooth setup, request a merge as soon as courses are visible to instructors and before making any changes to course sections for the semester.

About Merges and Merge Requests

Merged courses (also called cross-listed courses) are created when multiple sections are combined into one course offering. To request a merge, instructors should email Canvas@montana.edu with the following details:

  • Course title (e.g., Leadership Dev For Agriculture)
  • Course code (e.g., AGED 140US)
  • Sections to be merged (e.g., 001, 002, 003)
  • Semester information (e.g., Spring Semester YYYY)

Before Requesting a Merge

  • Request the merge before adding content or setting up tools like Assignments and Discussions in courses/sections to be merged. Once content is added, it becomes less accessible after the merge.
  • Avoid using Import/Export/Copy to transfer content into a course that will be merged, as content copied this way may not be easily accessible after the merge. It's recommended to wait until after the merge. 
  • Student data will be lost if it has been generated in any course/section involved in the merge.

Merge Request Process

  • Allow up to 72 hours for processing.
  • Instructor of Record (IOR): Instructors listed as IOR in Banner will typically request the merge.
  • Merges are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so requests are queued.
  • Once the merge is processed, separate courses/sections are combined into a single "CL" (cross-listed) course. The new course will include "CL" in the title and course code for easy identification.

Post-Merge Considerations

  • Any work done before the merge will be less accessible. Instructors can export content from the pre-merge courses and import it into the merged course.
  • The merged course will be made accessible via the next Banner-to-Canvas update.
  • If a merge is incorrect, it can be undone, but it’s best to avoid this.

Merge Example Codes

  • Same department, no multiple sections: NASX 491 and 591 section 001 → NASX_491_591_801_201750_CL
  • Same department, multiple sections: NRSG 550 and 601 sections 088 and 089 → NRSG_550_601_088089_201470_CL
  • Different departments: CS_145 (Computer Science) and MART_145 (Media Arts) section 001 → CS_MART_145RA_001_201730_CL

Timing Related to Merge Requests

After a merge request is received, it may take up to 72 hours to complete. Early requests allow users to begin working in the merged course sooner, as merges are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy periods, such as the start of a semester, merge requests made within 10 business days of the first class day may experience delays due to high demand.

Successful merges depend on courses being available in Canvas, which typically happens after registration begins. Course availability for upcoming semesters is as follows:

  • Fall/Summer: Early April
  • Spring: Early November

Merges must be requested and completed before any student data is generated. If processed after student activity begins, all data (submissions, grades, etc.) will be lost.

Requests with complete and accurate information can be processed directly. Vague or incomplete requests (e.g., "all my sections") may require additional clarification, delaying the process.

Please allow up to 72 hours for the merge to be completed, though it typically takes less time unless additional issues arise.

Course Information from Banner to Canvas

Course information, including Instructor of Record (IOR) details, is passed from Banner to Canvas. The IOR, determined by the college/department, is responsible for teaching the course and is provided to the registrar. Banner holds this information and regularly updates Canvas.

Instructors listed as IOR in Banner will automatically see their courses in Canvas after updates.

Note:

  • Multiple instructors can be assigned as IOR for a course.
  • The "Schedule of Classes"can help identify the lead IOR. Access Schedule of Classes

Recommendations for Faculty Seeking to Merge Courses

The best time to request a merge is as soon as courses for the upcoming semester become available in Brightspace. Early requests allow for timely course builds, enabling instructors to make necessary adjustments right away.

While departmental course assignments may occur close to the start of the semester, staff will do their best to accommodate late requests. However, merge requests made within 10 business days of the first day of class may be delayed due to high demand.

Request a merge before adding content, setting up tools (e.g., Assignments, Discussions), or copying course materials. Merges should also be requested before any student data is generated.

Instructors should familiarize themselves with available tools in merged courses to better manage workflows for different sections.

Working Withing Merged Courses

Some basic functions inside of a merged course offering can help to more effectively manage the course.

  • View enrollments in section: In a merged course in Canvas, all sections are combined, but you can view enrollments by section using the "Sections" tab in course settings. This allows you to manage and communicate with students based on their original sections.

  • Gradebook Management: All students from merged sections will now appear in a single Gradebook. You can filter by section to view or enter grades for specific groups. Any grades or submissions made before the merge will be lost.

  • Section-Specific Communication: Announcements, Inbox Messages, and Discussions can still be targeted to a specific section by selecting the section in the settings. Be mindful when posting content that only applies to one section.

  • Assignment Settings: When creating Assignments, Discussions, or Quizzes, you can assign them to either all students (default) or a specific section. This is helpful if sections have different due dates or requirements.

  • Publisher/Third-Party Integrations: If using publisher tools (RedShelf, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, etc.), the integration may require adjustments after the merge. Check with the MSU Bookstore or the publisher to confirm functionality.

  • Course Analytics: Course-level analytics will combine data from all sections. If you need section-specific data, use the Gradebook filter or run section-level reports.

  • Drops/Adds in Banner: Any student drops/adds in Banner will automatically update in the merged Canvas course. Students will only see the merged course on their dashboard, not their individual sections.

  • Avoid Unmerging: Once a course is merged, unmerging is strongly discouraged after student participation begins. Unmerging will result in the loss of all student data (submissions, grades, discussions, etc.). If an unmerge is necessary, contact Canvas Support.