Turn off due dates

[MatthewGeorge]

As a teacher, is there a way to turn due dates off so that whenever I create a new assignment so that it will not have a due date?

I was using free Canvas before, but now I am on a paid account with my institution. On the free account however it was set up, there was no forced due date.

I would like to add assignments and choose them as I go along. I will have no way to know when they will be assigned until later when I choose the various assignments.

Thanks for your help. I added a screenshot for reference.

 

[Chris_Hofer]

Hi there, @MatthewGeorge ...

I am not sure why the assignment you are looking at would require a due date.  In my own sandbox course (also in a paid Canvas environment), I created a brand new assignment without a due date, and when I saved the assignment details, it did not ask me to input a due date for the assignment.  I cannot think of anything off the top of my head in the way of other settings that would require a due date...but I may just not be thinking of it right now...so I'd be happy to be wrong.

Maybe a conversation with the Canvas Help Desk staff would be in order?  How do I get help with Canvas as an instructor? - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)

[ciyashar1]

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@MatthewGeorge wrote:

As a teacher, is there a way to turn due dates off so that whenever I create a new assignment so that it will not have a due date?

I was using free Canvas before, but now I am on a paid account with my institution. On the free account however it was set up, there was no forced due date.

I would like to add assignments and choose them as I go along. I will have no way to know when they will be assigned until later when I choose the various assignments.

Thanks for your help. I added a screenshot for reference.

The goal behind flexible due dates is to reduce stress while maximizing opportunities for student success. Giving students who miss a due date an opportunity to catch up encourages them to keep engaging with the class rather than give up

crediblebh

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[gchu]

I was having the same problem (must enter due date to save or publish assignment). After chatting with Canvas support, I learned that because Canvas gradebook is synced with our institution's SIS (student information system), which in this case is Synergy (Edupoint), which requires due dates for assignments, we cannot create assignments in Canvas without a due date. Hope that helps. 

[Ron_Bowman]

@gchu -

Thanks for that insight.  I do not use third party assignment applications.  My guess is that @MatthewGeorge was in the same situation as you described.

[Ron_Bowman · Accepted solution]

@MatthewGeorge -

I agree with @Chris_Hofer - what you are seeing is not normal behavior.  I just created an assignment in my course by just typing in the name and then saving and publishing it with no issue.

I would check with your Institutions Canvas Admins to see if they have an idea.  Also, just a side thought - is the course published?  If it is, are the availability dates valid for the date you are trying to create the assignment.  That is is the course available from jan 1, 2022 to may 1, 2022 and you are trying to create the assignment now.

[Steph_T]

Hello! @MatthewGeorge 

You should be able to create this without a Due Date. I would take @Ron_Bowman advise, and contact your school's Local admin or reach out to Canvas Support to see if they can take a closer look into this as well. 

Let us know if you have any updates!