Cedar is Stanford's new cloud-based platform that will replace the current STARS learning management system. STARS is being retired as part of the university's Renew-Extend-Replace (RER) program alongside PeopleSoft HR.
This transition to Cedar will provide Stanford with a modern, learner-centered system featuring enhanced search functionality, a user-friendly interface, intelligent course recommendations, structured learning paths, and progress dashboards.
The new platform will better serve the Stanford community with improved navigation, auto-assignment capabilities, and support for non-SUNet learners, while maintaining all existing training requirements, STAP eligibility, and compliance obligations.
July-Sept 2026
Stakeholder engagement
October 2026
User acceptance testing (UAT)
Nov-Dec 2026
Community-wide resources provided
December 2026
Campus go-live
If you take training
You’ll use Cedar instead of STARS to find and complete training. Cedar will provide new tools to help you discover courses, track your progress, and manage your learning.
What actions to take:
- Complete unfinished courses in STARS before December 2026 to avoid having to repeat the course.
If you administer training
Cedar will provide new capabilities for managing learning, including improved search, automated assignments, learning paths, and progress tracking.
What actions to take:
- Complete Cedar training course for learning administrators (coming soon).
- Participate in user acceptance testing (optional).
If you manage or assign training
Cedar will support automated course assignments and provide greater visibility into training requirements and progress.
What actions to take:
- Complete Cedar training course for managers (coming soon).
- Participate in user acceptance testing (optional).
If you're a training instructor
Cedar will provide a new way to manage and deliver training at Stanford. You’ll have access to tools for managing course information, learner enrollment, assignments, and progress. Watch for additional guidance about transitioning your courses and preparing to deliver training in Cedar.
What actions to take:
- Complete Cedar training course for instructors (coming soon).
- Participate in user acceptance testing (optional).
Resources
Coming soon
Get Help
Coming soon
What is happening to STARS?
STARS is being replaced by a new learning management system called Cedar. STARS will be fully retired in 2027 as part of Stanford's Renew-Extend-Replace (RER) program.
When will this change happen?
The new Cedar system will go live in December 2026.
What happens to my in-progress courses?
All learners must complete any unfinished courses in STARS before December 2026. If you don't complete them, you'll have to start over in the new system.
Will I need to use two systems?
No, all courses in STARS will be moved to the new system.
Do my training requirements change?
No. All training requirements, STAP eligibility, and compliance obligations remain the same.
Will STARS be available during the transition?
STARS will be temporarily down during cutover periods. We'll communicate these downtimes in advance.
How will Cedar be different from STARS?
Cedar will offer a modern, user-friendly interface with enhanced search functionality, intelligent course recommendations, structured learning paths and progress dashboards.
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