In this update:
This Quercus and Academic Toolbox update highlights the new Quercus Portfolio tool, the ePortfolios (Legacy) retirement update, the new Crowdmark grading interface, which is now set as the default, and Quizzical’s upcoming retirement in August 2026.
- Quercus: New Portfolio tool and ePortfolios (Legacy) retirement update
- Crowdmark: New grading interface is now the default
- Quizzical:Retiring in August 2026
Quercus: New Portfolio tool and ePortfolios (Legacy) retirement update
The new Canvas Portfolio tool is now available in Quercus, providing instructors with a way to support portfolio-based learning activities. Within the new tool, instructors can create Evaluation Portfolios for structured assessment and Showcase Portfolios for presenting and sharing work.
The retirement date for Quercus ePortfolios (Legacy) has also been extended to December 30, 2026. If you have used ePortfolios (Legacy) in the past, refer to our previous post, Quercus ePortfolios (Legacy Tool) being retired, for information about what you should do before the tool is retired.
Learn more about the new Quercus Portfolios tool
- Read the CTSI guide: Quercus Portfolios
- Explore the Canvas guide: Introducing Canvas Portfolio: Now Part of the Core Canvas Experience
- Watch the Portfolio Overview Video [3:40 min]
Key Benefit: Provides a flexible way to assess, organize, and showcase learning within Quercus.
Crowdmark: New grading interface is now the default
The new Crowdmark grading interface officially replaced the legacy grading interface on July 15, 2026, following a beta testing period that began in November 2025. The new interface is now the default for all Crowdmark courses; instructors no longer need to enable it manually in their course settings.
Learn more about the new grading interface in Crowdmark
- Read our previous update: Crowdmark: New grading interface
- Watch Crowdmark’s New Grading Interface Tour video [2:29 min]
- Explore the Crowdmark guide: Grading tools and navigation
Key Benefit: Provides a more straightforward grading experience with the new interface, without the need to manually enable it in course settings.
Quizzical: Retiring in August 2026
Quizzical is reaching the end of its life cycle in August 2026, and it is no longer actively supported.
What you should do now
If you have used Quizzical in the past:
- Export your questions and grades from Quizzical. For step-by-step instructions, see the CTSI guide: Exporting existing Quizzical content
- Do not use Quizzical for future courses (e.g., Fall 2026 or beyond).
- Transition to an alternative tool before August 2026. For more information about tools that support similar teaching approaches, refer to the CTSI guide: Moving from Quizzical: Alternatives and Next Steps