How do I Import Grades from Canvas to SIS?

In Spring 2026 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.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR INSTRUCTORS:

  1. If the Canvas-to-SIS grades import process is run more than once it will overwrite ALL unposted roster grades in SIS.
  2. This is why it's very important that before you import the grades from Canvas to SIS you ensure that grades in the Total column of your Gradebook in Canvas are both correct and final. See the instructions below.
  3. If you end up with errors in your final grades in SIS you will have to correct them manually.  
  4. For courses which contain a mixed roster of seniors and underclassmen there is no way to import only a selection of the grades. In this instance you will need to:
    1. either import all the grades then blank out the grades on any underclassmen and hand enter them later
    2. or grade seniors manually

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

See: Canvas Grading Tips and Common Mistakes

See: How do I override a final grade in the Canvas 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 "Settings" click "Course Details"

Scroll down to "Grading Scheme" and check "Enable course grading scheme"

NOTE: If you plan to use Tufts' default grading scheme in Canvas, leave the "Grading Scheme" set to "Default Canvas Grading Scheme".   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".

NOTE: changing the grading scheme in the "Total" column so that it shows both a letter and numerical grade will also cause the grades in the "Override" column to appear as letter and numerical.

For additional details see: How do I display a Letter Grade in the Total Grade Column?

NEXT STEP: Log into SIS to complete the final grades import

Next you will log into SIS and complete the bulk import of the final grades per the instructions in the SIS user guide —

See: SIS Resources: Importing Grades from Canvas to SIS

For support finalizing your Canvas grades before import:  [email protected].

For support using the import feature in SIS: [email protected].