Best of CASE District VI Award
 

Institution: Metropolitan State University of Denver

Title of entry: Canvas Course for Commencement Communications

About this entry: One of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Office of University Events' longstanding challenges was that Commencement-eligible students were navigating a complex series of requirements through fragmented communications. This resulted in confusion, inconsistent engagement and more than 125 staff hours each semester spent answering repetitive inquiries. To address this, the team redesigned Commencement communication by utilizing Canvas, an existing, university-wide learning management platform, to create a centralized, student-centered digital course.
The strategic goal was twofold: improve the clarity and accessibility of Commencement information for students, and reduce administrative time spent on individual inquiries. The course was designed around the key tasks students must complete to participate in Commencement. These tasks became structured modules featuring step-by-step guidance, progress tracking assignments and organized discussion boards that grouped questions by topic. Announcements were used to proactively communicate deadlines and address emerging themes, reducing the need for one-off responses.
By meeting students on a platform they already use daily for academic coursework, the OUE team created an easily-accessible experience that increased engagement and reduced confusion. During the first semester of implementation (Fall 2025), staff recorded an estimated 24% reduction in time spent responding to Commencement-related questions, demonstrating measurable gains in efficiency.
This initiative showcased how the strategic repurposing of existing technology transformed a high-volume administrative process, enhanced the student experience, and created a scalable model for future communications.