Checkpoints are an enhancement to graded discussions that allow instructors to separate the initial post in a discussion board from the replies that a student makes. This separation allows for separate grading, as well as distinct due dates.
While there have been continued bugs and cross-compatability issues with this feature, Academic Technology is engaging in a limited release of the feature to instructors who request it for the purpose of evaluating it in live courses.
Please note that this is an investigatory period, with no guarantee the feature will be made available at the completion of this enhancement investigation. There is a possibility that, at the culmination of this period, the feature will be turned off for all courses.
FAQ
- Checkpoints is incompatible with:
- Rubrics.
- Bulk assignment due date editing.
- Late/missing statuses in gradebook.
- Peer review.
- The Canvas mobile app may not display due dates properly for students.
Yes, students will see a timeline for each phase to the side of their discussion board.
Yes, separate due dates are added to students’ To-Do Lists, calendars and assignment pages.
Timeline
- Spring 2026: Limited release to faculty upon request.
- Summer-Fall 2026: Feedback sought from participants.
- Fall 2026: Based on feedback, Academic Technology will enable or disable the checkpoints option for all courses.
Pilot Expectations:
Faculty participants are expected to use at least one Discussion Checkpoint assignment in their course(s), and provide feedback on its effectiveness.
To express interest in participating, please complete the Join a Pilot form and a member of the UM AT team will reach out to you to enable the tool in your course.