Quick Links: | Definitions | Advisory Groups | Process Goals | Maintenance Schedule | Normal Processes | Exceptions to Normal Processes |
Definitions
Change Management
A process for limiting the impact of system changes.
Learning Management System (LMS)
Canvas and its associated services.
Instance Management
Learning Technology Services currently manages two Canvas instances: one is the production system, while the other is used for system testing, functional testing, and development.
Requests for Change (RFC)
Before changes are made to production LMS components, Learning Technology Services will create an to allow for testing and discussion. Changes to non-production systems do not normally require an RFC, except for systems that are also hosting production standby systems.
Change Advisory Board
CAB meets weekly to review RFCs and discuss their potential impact on campus operations. Each proposed change is discussed for approval. Issues and changes to the process are discussed by CAB.
Major Releases and Updates
Most LMS updates happen automatically without any downtime. However, occasionally, major releases or updates to any LMS component, such as service packs or similar upgrades, may require a substantial effort. Therefore, a project plan should be completed before non-production implementation and testing.
Advisory Groups
Depending on which learning technologies are impacted by a change, Learning Technology Services consults with several advisory groups:
- The LMS Advisory Group oversees academic learning management systems, such as Canvas.
- The Enterprise Training Collab oversees compliance training systems, such as CSU Learn.
Process Goals
To increase campus adoption of our LMS, we strive to:
- Keeping our systems stable and online.
- Ensuring system software is current
- Testing all changes before going into production.
- Properly communicating with campus by filling all RFCs at least one week ahead of time.
Learning Technology Services will strive to adhere to this process when any changes are needed for Chico State's learning technologies, including all environments and services related to Canvas, SumTotal, Kaltura, and Zoom, along with other integrated LMS applications and systems.
Maintenance Schedule
Third-party vendors sometimes schedule maintenance windows outside of this process; when that happens, we will do our best to communicate with impacted users before the maintenance occurs.
When Learning Technology Services can control maintenance scheduling, we will strive to ensure maximum stability and availability for all students, faculty, and staff.
The following maintenance windows are typically used for the LMS, and may be leveraged for other systems as well:
- Overnight maintenance window (no downtime)
Thursdays, 12 AM to 2 AM Pacific Time
Weekly/Monthly
- Morning maintenance window (no downtime)
Thursdays, 8 AM to 10 AM Pacific Time
Weekly/Monthly
- Extended maintenance window (extended downtime)
Thursdays, 12 AM to 8 AM Pacific Time
Quarterly/Between Terms
From time to time, Learning Technology Services will need to schedule maintenance outside of this standard schedule; when that happens, we will be sure to communicate with users.
In addition to the above, our schedule also considers several "blackout windows" where we will avoid making system changes to maximize stability during critical usage periods:
- Two-week window at the start of Spring/Fall term, starting one week before the first day of classes
- Two-week window at the end of Spring/Fall term, starting one week before final exams
Normal Processes
See our integrations process page for more information on our change management process.
Exceptions to Normal Processes
Emergencies
Emergency Patches to resolve security issues, system instability, and similar issues may bypass some or all of this process.
Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
Patches to fix zero-day security vulnerabilities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Still need help? Contact Academic Technology for further assistance.
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