(The Center Square) – A computer hack has changed the last week of classes at some University of Wisconsin campuses.
The university on Thursday announced that a nationwide hack of the Canvas system has disrupted final exams.
“A nationwide security incident at Instructure is disrupting Canvas across higher education, including at UW–Madison. As we know more, we will share it promptly,” the university said in a statement.
Canvas is a national hub for tests, grades and study guides.
UW-Madison provost John Zumbrunnen said without Canvas some professors are being told to cancel final exams.
“If you are unable to administer your final exam or you feel students cannot prepare adequately without access to Canvas, you should use an alternative option, such as basing grades on work completed so far,” Zumbrunnen said in a statement. “You are encouraged to consult with your department chair, academic dean’s office or other colleagues as you weigh the options.”
The hack is also delaying final grades.
Typically, UW-Madison professors need to have final grades finished by May 11. The university said it is pushing that deadline back to May 14.
The Canvas hack, however, is not just causing problems with grades and final exams. There are worries about security across the UW as well.
“If Canvas prompts you to perform any action — such as clicking a link, logging in, resetting your password, or completing any tasks — do not proceed,” UW-Madison told students in a warning on the school’s IT information page.
Canvas first reported a hack May 1, saying it included student names, email addresses and ID numbers. The hack did not include passwords, dates of birth, government identifiers or financial information.
UW leaders have not said how many students may have been exposed at the campus in Madison. Other UW schools have also been silent so far about the impact of the hack on their students.
