Editor’s note: The article previously stated that Amazon owned Canvas, which is inaccurate. The article was updated to reflect that Canvas outsources services to Amazon Web Services.
On Monday, Oct. 20, students and faculty experienced issues accessing Canvas and other Amazon Web services.
At 12:51 p.m., the University Division of Information Technology sent an email stating that they are aware of “ongoing issues with Amazon Web Services.”
This disturbance is also affecting the university Help Desk, according to the email. The email also states that “Amazon is actively working to resolve these problems,” but there is no timeline for the issue to be resolved.
The email also included a link for updates, which reported that issues with the services began at 3:11 a.m. EST.
Students like Saida Lewis, a junior digital media production major, noticed that Canvas was experiencing technical issues while in class.
“I heard about Canvas being down in my editing class this morning,” Lewis said.
Others like Ronshai Jones, a senior communication studies major, were unaware that Canvas outsources to Amazon Web Services.
“At first, I thought it was Canvas, but I realized it was Amazon. I was very shocked to see that it was down and that it is still down,” Jones said.
Canvas being down is also affecting students’ ability to function within their classes as normal.
“I can’t even turn in my assignments,” Lewis said.
The technical issues have also caused professors to delay midterm exams.
“It puts my day off because I can’t study or do any exams because it’s down. It’s a little frustrating,” Jones said.
While the issues are putting a hold on assignments and grades, some students are finding some relief in not having to worry about completing assignments for a brief period.
“I can’t do my homework assignments, but at the same time I am relieved because maybe they will push back [the due dates] for my assignments,” said Florence Cheamang, a junior public health major.
Joi Sims is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].