Set a due date for first discussion

What changed in 20.25.12 (December 2025)

  • The Discussion due date on first post option is enabled by default. No org-level configuration is required.
  • Discussions availability is unchanged. The feature respects existing start and end dates and availability types (for example, Hidden, Visible with access restricted).

Where the due date appears for learners and instructors

The Discussions due date appears in the following:

  • Calendar (if enabled)
  • Discussions list page
  • Manage Dates tool
  • New Content Experience (shows Overdue and Late indicators)
  • Quick Eval and Consistent Evaluation

This is the lightbulb icon used for tips.		 Tip: Ensure the Calendar tool is enabled in your org to surface due dates broadly.

Notifications

Learners can receive a default notification: Discussion due date or end date is 2 days away. This is configurable in web and mobile apps.


This is the lightbulb icon used for tips.		 Tip: Encourage learners to enable mobile push notifications to increase on-time participation

Reporting and data

A new Due Date field appears in the Discussion Topics Brightspace Data Set (BDS). This supports tracking participation deadlines and reporting on policy compliance.

Admin preparation checklist

To prepare your org and instructors

  1. To inform instructors, add a note about the new first post due date option in your release communications and training.
  2. To update training materials, list where the due date appears (Calendar, Manage Dates, Discussions, Quick Eval, Consistent Evaluation, Work To Do).
  3. To update analytics, modify dashboards and queries to include the Due Date field in the DiscussionTopics BDS.
  4. To validate notifications, review Notifications settings and advise learners to enable the relevant alerts.

Permissions and availability behavior

  • The feature respects existing start and end dates and availability types. No changes are required to your availability model.
  • Instructors choose whether to set a due date per discussion topic.
  • The feature is not configurable at the org level (cannot be disabled globally).

This is the bullhorn icon used for warnings.

Important: Changing start or end dates can restrict access. Ensure availability windows align with due dates to avoid confusing learners.

 

Frequently asked questions

Who benefits from this feature?

You and your instructors benefit from more predictable participation and improved assessment workflows.

Does this change how discussion availability works?

No. Availability (start/end dates, visibility) continues to function as before.

Can we disable this feature?

No. It is part of the core platform update and cannot be disabled at the org level.

Will learners be notified?

Yes. A default notification exists and can be managed by learners.

 

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