Dear Chapman Instructors and Staff,

Since Chapman’s adoption of Canvas as our Learning Management System, we have had the free version of Canvas Badges/Credentials, which allows Teachers and Den Leaders to recognize learner accomplishments by awarding digital badges.

On June 13, 2025, Canvas announced that it will be discontinuing the free version of its Badges/Credentials platform. If you currently use Badges/Credentials in Canvas, please take note of the following timeline.

Canvas Badges/Credentials

What’s Changing?

Canvas is phasing out the free version of Badges/Credentials in two stages:

  • After June 30, 2025 – You will no longer be able to create a new free issuer account.  An issuer is an entity that awards badges.  Existing issuers will still be able to award badges up until December 31, 2025.
  • After December 31, 2025 – All free issuing capabilities will end. After this date:
    • Free issuers will no longer be able to issue badges.
    • Data export will be disabled.
    • Existing issuers will be converted into backpacks—these will remain accessible for viewing, but no new activity will be possible.
    • Learners will still have free access to their earned badges through the Canvas Credentials Backpack.

Questions? Need Support?

If you have questions about how this change affects your work or need help planning next steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Educational Technology Services is here to help ensure a smooth transition.