Students at the University of Montana have been locked out of their Canvas pages due to unpaid tuition or other bills.

The incident occurred yesterday causing significant disruption to students’ access to their online learning materials and classes.

The lockout has affected multiple students, leading to the formation of long lines as they attempt to resolve the issue.

This situation has caused considerable concern among the student body, with some speculating that the lockout may be related to recent changes in federal loan payments.

While Canvas itself does not have an automatic system to deny access due to financial issues, educational institutions can configure their systems to temporarily restrict access to crucial platforms like Canvas when there are outstanding financial obligations.

The decision to implement such measures is typically made by the school or institution’s administration and not by Canvas directly.

This incident highlights the potential consequences of unpaid bills on students’ academic progress and access to essential learning resources.

It also underscores the importance of clear communication between educational institutions and students regarding financial obligations and their impact on access to online learning platforms.

The White House Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday, Jan. 29, rescinded a memo ordering a federal funding freeze less than two days after it caused chaos and stoked fear that the directive could adversely affect millions of Americans.

Though the freeze was walked back by the Trump administration there are still some particulars related to the freeze that may still remain in place.

According to DOE spokesperson Madi Biedermann, the funding pause “only applies to discretionary grants at the Department of Education.”

What this might mean could be anyone’s guess. Curriculum and/or living arrangements/expenses might have been dependent on such discretionary grants.

What to know about Instructure

Instructure is an educational technology company primarily known for developing and providing the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).

Founded in 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Instructure provides products like Canvas LMS, Canvas Studio, Canvas Catalog, Canvas Network (for MOOCs), and various other tools and services aimed at enhancing education.

Canvas is a cloud-based learning platform that allows institutions to manage digital learning environments. It’s used by K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations worldwide to deliver course content, facilitate communication, and manage educational processes like grading and assessments.

Preparing your home for winter weather is crucial for comfort, safety, and preventing damage. Here’s a good guide to help get you ready:

Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

• Check for drafts around windows and doors. Replace or add weatherstripping where needed.
• Seal any gaps or cracks where air might leak in or out.

Insulate Your Home

• Ensure your attic and walls are well-insulated. Adding more insulation can significantly reduce heating costs.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas like the garage or attic to prevent freezing.

Heating System Check

• Furnace: Have your furnace inspected and cleaned by a professional. Replace filters if necessary.
• Fireplace: Clean the chimney and check for any blockages or damage.

Check Your Roof

• Inspection: Look for missing or damaged shingles. Clear gutters of debris to prevent ice dams.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup which can lead to ice dams.

Protect Your Plumbing

• Drain Outside Hoses: Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Shut off outside water supplies.
• Let Faucets Drip: If temperatures drop extremely low, letting faucets drip can prevent pipes from freezing.
• Crawl Spaces: Install pipe insulation or heat tape for your less than warmer areas.

Prepare Your Yard

• Drain Sprinklers: Turn off and drain your sprinkler system.
• Protect Plants: Mulch around plants to protect roots from freezing.

Stock Up on Essentials

• Salt or Sand: For icy walkways.
• Firewood: If you use a fireplace or wood stove.
• Emergency Supplies: Flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food in case of power outages.

Check Your Home’s Electrical Systems

• Inspect Wiring: Ensure all outdoor electrical outlets are GFCI protected.
• Generators: If you have one, make sure it’s in working order and you have enough fuel.

Windows

• Plastic Sheeting: For older homes, consider applying plastic film over windows to add an extra layer of insulation.
• Storm Windows: Be sure to inspect removable storm windows making sure that they are in good repair.

Vehicle Preparation

• Winter Tires: If applicable, switch to winter tires.
• Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, a flashlight, and some snacks.

Safety Measures

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure these are working, especially if you use gas heaters or have a fireplace.
• Smoke Detectors: Check and replace batteries if needed.

Plan for Power Outages

• Backup Heating: Have an alternative heating source like a kerosene heater, but use with caution due to fire hazards.
• Battery-Powered Radio: For updates on weather conditions.

By following these steps, you’ll not only make your home more comfortable during the winter but also prevent potential damage from cold weather. Remember, preparation is key, so start these tasks well before the first frost hits!