M365 Changelog: Improvements to SharePoint pages authoring – New and updated web parts

MC414799 – These updates include our new Assignments web part for Education customers and changes to other web parts like Group calendar, Quick links, and Highlighted content. We’re also introducing a new SharePoint site theme.

Note: Most of these changes are being released as part of Teams Class Home page release. 

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 93479

When this will happen:

This update will roll out to Targeted Release customers starting mid-August and to all customers by late-September. 

How this will affect your organization:

New Assignments web part (Education customers only)

Customers using Teams Assignments will be able to add the assignments web part to pages to provide students with a one-stop, personalized resource for all their class needs. The assignments web part can also be used on communication sites like a home site to display the upcoming assignments due across multiple classes.

Group calendar updates

The Group calendar web part is getting visual updates, an indicator informing users when a meeting is a recurring meeting, and the capability to join upcoming Teams meetings online. 

Change the layout of Quick links in the toolbar 

Users are now able to easily explore the different layouts available for the Quick links web part. We’re surfacing layouts as a dropdown option in the toolbar to make it easier for authors to get the look and feel they want. 

Highlighted content change to ‘Compact’ layout in 2 column section 

Authors using the ‘compact’ layout in the Highlighted content web part will now find that when the web part is placed in a two-column section, their layout is retained. 

Periwinkle site theme 

Microsoft is introducing a new visual site theme to SharePoint themes called Periwinkle. This new theme adjusts to dark or high-contrast mode when viewed in Teams. 

What you need to do to prepare:

There is no work required to prepare for the updates listed for SharePoint Pages authoring, however you might want to notify your users about this change and update your training and documentation as needed.