Students using Canvas across the country experienced error messages because of an Amazon Web Services outage early this morning that lasted around 17 hours. Canvas is back online for all students. 

Around 2 a.m., Canvas, which powers UT’s Instructure platform, said it was investigating an  issue related to the website and app. At the time of publication, the Canvas home page read, “Canvas is experiencing issues due to an ongoing AWS incident. We are working on recovering as soon as possible.”

The outage happened due to server issues with Amazon Web Services, a server that runs Canvas and several popular websites, such as Amazon and Snapchat, which are currently running. The issue also affects Qualtrics, Gradescope, Turnitin, Honorlock and Canva Design. 

By 2 p.m., the issues still persisted. Students and professors were unable to access quizzes, log attendance or share class notices through Canvas Email. Nutrition 306, a large class many students take each semester, postponed its midterm exam by a day due to the shortages.

Amanda Fratticcioli, executive director of operations for enterprise technology at UT, said in a statement that the University is working to resolve the issues students are facing.

“At this time, the issue appears to be widespread and external to the University’s systems,” Fratticcioli wrote. “We understand the disruption this is causing for our students and instructors, especially during critical academic activities such as quizzes and assignments.”

Many other sites across the internet are down. Though the server affected is in Virginia, sites have been affected worldwide, according to the New York Times. In a statement, Amazon said it is aware of the issue and is working to solve it. 

“We will continue to share updates with the campus community as more information becomes available and normal service is restored,” Fratticcioli said in an email.