What is a Cross-List/Merge in Canvas?
A cross-list/merge in Canvas refers to the process of combining multiple sections of the same course into a single Canvas course. There are several common situations when classes are cross-listed/merged:
- An example is combining Sociology 112 Intro to Criminal Justice and Criminology 112 Intro to Criminal Justice. This is typically done to streamline faculty tasks, grading, and communication between the instructor and students when multiple sections of a course are being taught simultaneously by the same instructor.
- We can also merge courses that are in a Cohort, for example, AUTO 180 Fundamental of Auto Service Training. An instructor might be teaching 3 of the same course to a cohort of Auto students so these can be merged together. In order for us to move forward with a merge request, we will check the course schedule to see if the notes state that the courses will meet with one another. If notes are not included, you will need to work with your AA4 to confirm that appropriate notes have been added to the course schedule. This tells the students that the courses will be merged with one another.
However, if you are an instructor that is teaching 3 of the same exact course, for example teaching three Sociology 101 courses, we will not be able to cross-list/merge them for you (unless they are a cohort). It is a FERPA violation for us to combine students together from different courses. In this case, you can request a BluePrint course in Canvas. eLearning is available to help with your Blueprint set up and management.
Warning
When we merge courses, anything you built before the merge will be lost! We suggest building your course material in a course sandbox shell so that you will not lose that information. This also includes student work so merges need to be completed before the start of the quarter (or any student work has been submitted).
Timeline
Merge requests will be completed the week prior to the start of the quarter.
Review the Following FERPA Information
- FERPA Overview on our website
- March 27, 2017 Memo from Dave Stolier, Washington State Sr. Assistant Attorney General
Submit Request
If your merge request complies with FERPA regulations to request your classes to be cross-listed/merged, please click Request Service on the right-hand side of the screen. eLearning will receive the request and send you a confirmation.