Broadcast: News items
Returning students: changes to submitting assessments and receiving feedback in 2026/27
Posted on behalf of: Educational Enhancement
Last updated: Wednesday, 19 August 2026
From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, Turnitin will no longer be used as a submission and feedback platform. Instead, online assessment submission, marking and feedback will take place directly within Canvas, the University's virtual learning environment. This means a more consistent and straightforward experience, with fewer systems to navigate when completing your assessments and accessing feedback.
What does this mean for you?
By bringing assessment and feedback processes into Canvas, we're simplifying the way you interact with your modules. Rather than moving between different platforms, you'll use Canvas as your main location for submitting work and viewing feedback.
You'll continue to receive high-quality feedback from your tutors, and academic integrity checks will remain in place. Similarity checking will still be available where required, including opportunities for draft checking, but through a more integrated and flexible approach within the University's assessment systems.
Importantly, these changes will not affect access to any of your existing submissions or feedback.
Why are we making this change?
The new approach has been designed with student experience and accessibility in mind. Feedback from students has highlighted that using multiple systems for assessment can sometimes be confusing and more difficult to navigate. Simplifying these processes helps create a clearer and more reliable experience while making better use of the tools already available in Canvas.
The change also supports the University's wider commitment to enhancing teaching, learning and assessment technologies, ensuring they continue to meet the expectations of modern higher education.
Support and guidance
Updated guidance for students will be available before the start of teaching, helping you understand any changes to submission and feedback processes. Staff will also receive training and support throughout September to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
We know that clear assessment processes and timely feedback are an important part of your success at Sussex. These improvements will help make submitting work, receiving feedback and tracking your progress more consistent across the University.

