Canvas outage and cyber incident

^{Page last updated 8 May}

Current status

Flinders University is currently experiencing disruption to Canvas and associated tools, including Turnitin, following a cyber incident affecting Canvas.

Canvas is a learning management system that supports online learning, teaching and assessment activities at thousands of schools and universities around the world, including at Flinders, and is the platform underpinning Flinders Learning Online (FLO).

In recent days, Canvas’ parent company, Instructure, advised institutions globally that it had experienced a cyber incident affecting its systems.

Early 8 May 2026, Instructure took Canvas offline globally. As a result, Canvas and associated services are currently unavailable to institutions worldwide, including Flinders University.

At this stage, there is no confirmed timeframe for restoration of services.

While there is no evidence of any direct compromise of Flinders’ systems or infrastructure, the University has implemented a number of precautionary measures to protect our environment and minimise any potential impact.

We recognise this outage will create significant disruption for many staff and students, particularly those involved in teaching, learning support and assessment activities. Our immediate priority is to ensure students are supported and are not disadvantaged academically as a result of this outage.

This page will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.

Quick links

Key information for students

Key information for staff

Faqs

Key information for students

Face-to-face teaching activities on campus will continue as normal.
Face-to-face assessment activities will continue as scheduled.
Assignment submission deadlines for assignments ordinarily submitted through Canvas and due between now and Monday 11 May have been automatically extended until Friday 15 May.
Students do not need to contact topic coordinators or tutors individually to request these extensions.
Flinders Online teaching and assessment activities are temporarily paused and will be rescheduled in due course with more information to come.
Topic coordinators will provide further advice regarding topic-specific impacts and alternative arrangements where required.

Key information for staff

Continue face-to-face teaching and assessment activities where these do not rely on Flinders Learning Online or associated systems.
Please work closely with students and provide flexibility and support during this period.
Topic coordinators should communicate directly with students regarding topic-specific impacts and any alternative arrangements required after Monday 11 May.
Further support materials and operational advice will be distributed as they become available.

Frequently asked questions

What has happened?

Canvas owner, Instructure, has advised institutions globally that it experienced a significant cyber incident affecting its systems. Canvas was subsequently taken offline globally by Instructure.

Is Flinders University affected?

Yes. Canvas and associated services, including Turnitin, are currently unavailable at Flinders University as part of the global outage.

Has Flinders University been hacked?

There is no evidence of any direct compromise of Flinders University systems or infrastructure.

When will Canvas be available again?

There is currently no confirmed timeframe for restoration of services. Flinders University is continuing to work closely with Instructure and monitor updates.

Do I need to apply for an extension?

No. Assignment submission deadlines for assessments ordinarily submitted through Canvas and due between now and Monday 11 May have been automatically extended until Friday 15 May.

Will classes continue?

Face-to-face teaching activities on campus will continue as normal.

What about Flinders Online classes and assessments?

Flinders Online teaching and assessment activities are temporarily paused and will be rescheduled in due course with more information to come.

Will this delay mean future assessment dates change?

Our focus right now is resolving the immediate issue, but any revisions or changes impacting future assessments will be communicated to students.

How will I receive updates?

Updates will continue to be provided through this webpage and University communication channels.

What should staff do if students contact them?

Staff should provide reassurance, direct students to this webpage for updates, and work with students flexibly and consistently during the disruption.

Can staff use alternative platforms or personal accounts for assessment submission?

Staff should not establish independent submission or assessment processes outside approved University guidance. Further operational advice will be provided where required.

Support and updates

Further updates will be published on this page as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work through this rapidly evolving situation together.