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Steps for Finalizing Grades in Canvas and Submitting Grades to Howdy

Aug 05, 2026 By LMS Support Staff

4 min read

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Steps for finalizing grades in Canvas and submitting grades to Howdy

We encourage you to follow the steps below to ensure your grades in Canvas are submitted to Howdy accurately. 

In Canvas

  1. Set up Gradebook
    • Align your Gradebook setup with your course syllabus.
  2. Confirm grading scheme
    • Review your course grading scheme.
  3. Enter and post grades
    • Verify that there are no blank cells in the Gradebook and all grades are posted.
  4. Conduct final check
    • Review the columns in Microsoft Excel (if applicable).

In Howdy

  1. Access sections
    • Access your class roster and syllabus in Howdy.
  2. Import grades
    • Import grades directly from Canvas into Howdy.
Detailed information is available on the learning management system (LMS) website including updating options for completing steps 5-6


Final Grade Submission Window

  • Final grading opens: Wednesday, Aug. 5 (8 a.m.)
  • Final grading due for degree candidates: Friday, Aug. 7 (12 p.m.)
  • Grading closes for non-degree candidates: Tuesday, Aug. 11 (12 p.m.)

Digital Learning Environment Updates

The Athletics Observer Process will shift from opt-in to opt-out effective Fall 2026. Additional information will be available on the LMS website and any direct athletics observer communications.

ORCA Updates: 1) Support resources and information are now available on all pages; 2) Faculty Training community typology now Faculty/Staff Training; 3) Alternative Teacher roles can now add course associate roles through ORCA; 4) New community templates have been simplified from five to one common template to ensure consistency and accessibility. Additional items approved through LMS governance will be integrated throughout the fall term.

Simple Syllabus and Digital Accessibility training dates have been provided for the fall semester.


University-Wide Tools in Canvas

Newly Approved Tool – Google Gemini LTI
Approved through LMS Governance for integration on Aug. 17, 2026.

This tool has been approved through LMS governance for integration on 8/17/2026. More information will be provided soon.
Mediasite / Panopto Update
The university has selected Panopto as its new lecture capture and media streaming system to replace Mediasite and testing/implementation has taken place over the summer. Training and support resources will be shared with faculty in the Start of Fall Semester email and hosted on the LMS website. Office hours will also be available prior to the start of the fall term with more information coming soon. The current timeline is:

Mediasite / Panopto Timeline

  • Summer 2026
    • Panopto testing and implementation.
    • Mediasite content migration to Panopto.
    • Panopto available in Canvas by Aug. 17.
    • Office hours the week of Aug. 17.
  • Fall 2026
    • Mediasite remains available throughout the term.
      • The cutoff date for new content migration will be determined soon.
    • Panopto piloted by programs; optional use for everyone else.
    • Workshops and training provided throughout the fall.
  • Winter 2026–27
    • Mediasite content migration to Panopto completed (no new content).
    • Additional workshops and office hours provided.
  • Spring 2027
    • Mediasite disabled and all stakeholders transitioned to Panopto.
      • Mediasite will remain available through the end of Spring 2027 to ensure all content has been migrated correctly and to comply with the course data retention policy.

Respondus LockDown Browser Update

Respondus has begun enforcing account bans for students who violate its Terms of Service.
If any of your students are banned, they must contact LMS Support for assistance. Visit the vendor's web page LockDown Browser and Banned Users for futher details.
Centrally-Supported/Funded Tools

Texas A&M University supports the teaching and learning mission through the integration of  centrally-supported/ funded technologies that are available to all users within Canvas. By leveraging these tools, faculty can reduce burdens for student including financial costs, external logins to manage, and time spent learning new tools in addition to their coursework. The LMS website provides resources for these tools and the LMS support teams and partners also offer various training and professional development sessions throughout the year.
Colleges and schools may request additional tools that are supported by the requestor and/or vendors. Although some of the tools may be paid for by college/schools/departments, other tools may have additional direct costs for students. To learn more, explore the LMS tool filter, which includes a fee incursion chart as well as options to filter tools that may have an extra costs. 

Need Additional Assistance

Support Channels

For technical assistance with Canvas, use the support options available to all faculty, teaching staff and students at Texas A&M University.

Watch On-Demand Videos

Browse the Gradebook Setup in Canvas video playlist to help you through the process verifying and finalizing grades in Canvas. 

Teaching and Learning with Canvas

For questions about teaching with Canvas, contact the Center for Teaching Excellence to schedule a training or individual consultation.

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