Quercus Updates (September 2025)

We’ll use this space to share updates (e.g., new tools, new features, improved functionality) about Quercus and other Academic Toolbox tools.

This update: Quercus Files area redesign, new dyslexia-friendly font for Quercus users, Piazza UI redesign and new instructor tools, and a new way to access Crowdmark directly through Quercus.

In this update:

This month’s Quercus and Academic Toolbox update introduces the redesign of the Quercus Files area, a dyslexia–friendly font option for Quercus users, a redesigned Piazza interface with new instructor tools, and a streamlined Crowdmark integration in Quercus for easier access and setup.

1. Quercus Files area redesign
2. Dyslexia–friendly font for Quercus users
3. Piazza: New interface and new instructor tools
4. Crowdmark integration update

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Quercus Files area redesign

The Quercus Files area has a new interface for simpler navigation, improved accessibility, and enhanced search functionality.

What’s new

• Enhanced file management with improved search and option to sort files using column headers.
• Improved accessibility with a cleaner interface that meets VPAT standards.
• Simplified navigation with a new landing page that replaces the folder tree view.
• Bulk management tools with checkboxes that let you to select multiple files and apply bulk actions such as Download, Delete, Move, or Edit Permissions.
• Updated link sharing so that preview links can no longer be accessed outside of Quercus, helping to protect course content.

NOTE: For now (and through to the end of 2025), you have the option to revert back to the old Files page interface by selecting the Switch to Old Files Page button at the top of the page.

Key benefit: A cleaner, more consistent file management experience that simplifies organizing and selecting multiple files.

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Dyslexia–friendly font for Quercus users

Quercus now has a dyslexia–friendly font available for all users. When enabled, this feature will display text in Quercus with the OpenDyslexic font.  The quickest way to enable it is to:

1. Select your profile icon from the Quercus Global Navigation menu.
2. Toggle on the dyslexia–friendly font option right below the high contrast UI option.

NOTE: This font setting does not apply to external tools (i.e., integrations such as Piazza or Crowdmark) or embedded content (e.g., file uploads, multimedia).

Key benefit: Improved readability of Quercus content for users with dyslexia.

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Piazza: New interface and new instructor tools

Piazza has launched a revamped, more responsive interface that meets WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards and includes new instructor features to enhance course discussions.

New user interface (UI) transition timeline

• Until mid–August 2025: Earlier this summer, the old UI was still the default view. However, instructors saw in-product messaging about the change and an invitation to preview the new UI.
• Mid–August to early October 2025: The new UI is now the default for everyone (including students), but the option to switch back is still available for both students and instructors.
• Early October 2025: Only the new UI will remain.

New instructor features

• Scheduling posts: Instructors can now schedule posts in advance.
• Resetting student answers: Instructors can reset the student answer box to remove an existing answer and its edit history.

Key Benefit: The updated Piazza interface is more modern and accessible. The new features make it easier for instructors to manage posts and support more effective class discussions.

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Crowdmark integration update

Beginning September 3, 2025 Crowdmark will be integrated into Quercus through LTI 1.3. This update means instructors and students can launch Crowdmark directly from Quercus – no separate login will be required on the Crowdmark website.

What’s changing

• Access through Quercus: Instructors will add Crowdmark as a module item inside a Quercus module. The first time this is done, a Crowdmark course will automatically be created. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to sync the student and teams rosters and create assessments. Once both the module and item are published, students will access Crowdmark using the same link in Quercus.
• Migrating API-connected courses:  If your course was originally connected to Crowdmark using the old API method, what happens to it now depends on when it was created.
  • Fall 2025 and future courses should be connected through the Crowdmark LTI link in Quercus, which will automatically link your course to the new integration.
  • Older courses (Summer 2025 and earlier) will remain in the API system and can be accessed directly from https://app.crowdmark.com/sign-in/utoronto using an email login.
  • For details, please see our updated guide: How do I connect my Quercus course to Crowdmark?
• Support documentation: The ETO will be updating our existing Crowdmark documentation in the next few days to reflect this change.

How to connect your course to Crowdmark using LTI 1.3

To set up Crowdmark in your Fall 2025 and future Quercus courses using the new LTI 1.3 integration, please follow our updated Crowdmark integration guide: How do I connect my Quercus course to Crowdmark?

The guide includes step-by-step instructions, screenshots, and important reminders to ensure a smooth transition. In short,  you’ll add Crowdmark as an External Tool in a Quercus module and set it to open in a new tab.

When you’re ready, select the Crowdmark LTI module link to navigate to your Crowdmark course, sync your student and teaching team rosters, and start building your assessments there.

Learn more

• For additional information, refer to the following Crowdmark guide: How does Crowdmark work with LTI 1.3?
• If you’re new to Crowdmark or would like a refresher, consider attending one of the 2025 Training Webinars.

Key Benefit: The new Crowdmark integration simplifies setup, reduces manual steps, and provides a more consistent teaching and grading experience in Quercus.