How do I Bulk Import Grades from Canvas to SIS?
In Fall 2025 we are piloting a new feature which allows an instructor to bulk import grades from Canvas to SIS. Currently the pilot is full.
If you're interested to participate in the future, please complete this form.
NOTE to instructors: With this feature you can only bulk import grades from Canvas to SIS once. This means that If there are errors in your final grades in SIS you will have to correct them manually. This is why it's very important that before you import the grades you ensure that grades in the Total column of your Gradebook in Canvas are both correct and final.
Once your grading is finalized in Canvas the steps below show you how to bulk import the grades into SIS —
Make sure that your grades in the Total column of the course Gradebook are correct and final
Be sure you are using the Gradebook correctly to tally final grades for the course in the Total column.
See: How do I use the Total column in the Gradebook?
See: Understanding Canvas Gradebook Totals and Exported Totals
Make any needed grade overrides in the Total column
You may need to override grades in the Total column for certain students under special circumstances.
The instructions below show you how —
In the course go to "Settings" and click the "Feature Options" tab. Find the setting called "Final Grade Override" and click the circle to the right to activate it. (The settings change will be saved automatically).
Next you will have to activate Final Grade Override in the Gradebook.
In the Gradebook click the "Gear" icon to see the Gradebook Settings
In the Gradebook Settings choose "Advanced" and check "Allow final grade override" then click "Apply Settings"
The Override column will appear to the right of the Total column. Manually enter any needed override grades in the Override column.
For additional details see: How do I override a student's final grade in the Gradebook?
Review the grades one more time to insure they are completely correct and final.
NOTE: if you will be entering a grade of incomplete for a given student you will have to do this manually after you have completed the grades import into SIS.
Once you have completely finalized the grades in the Total column of the Gradebook in Canvas you can continue with the bulk import process as follows —
Change the Total column display from numerical to letter-grades
In order for the bulk import feature to work in SIS, the grades must be displayed in the course in Canvas as letter grades. (This is also how they will appear in SIS to the student).
In the course go to "Settings" and click the "Course Details" tab.
Scroll down to find the Grading Scheme setting and check "Enable course grading scheme"
If you plan to use Tufts' default grading scheme in Canvas, leave the Grading Scheme set to "Default Canvas Grading Scheme". Or, alternatively, you can select a different grading scheme or upload one.
For additional details see: How do I use grading schemes in a course?
To save the Grading Scheme setting scroll down and click "Update course details".
For additional details see: How do I display a Letter Grade in the Total Grade Column?
Next you will log into SIS and complete the bulk import of the final grades per the instructions in the SIS user guide. [Link to SIS user guide on bulk grade import].