brightspace — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
MCP server connecting AI assistants to D2L Brightspace. Lets you inspect grades, deadlines, and course notices directly from chat.
claude mcp add --env D2L_BASE_URL=<D2L_BASE_URL> --env D2L_SESSION_DIR=<D2L_SESSION_DIR> --env D2L_HEADLESS=<D2L_HEADLESS> --env D2L_TOKEN_TTL=<D2L_TOKEN_TTL> --env D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES=<D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES> --transport stdio brightspace -- npx -y brightspace-mcp-serverWhat brightspace does
This server bridges your AI assistant with your school's D2L Brightspace platform. The model gains read-only access to course contents, grade reports, teacher feedback, and pending quizzes. It never submits files, alters settings, or deletes student records.
Setup requires Node.js version 22 or higher. Credentials stay safe inside the local OS store, like macOS Keychain or Windows Credential Manager, instead of plain files. Initial login stalls unless you approve the prompt on your phone or device. Several universities offer dedicated flags like --purdue or --suny during onboarding to bypass manual URL entry.
What it helps with
- track upcoming assignment due dates across enrolled subjects
- retrieve course grades and instructor feedback on submissions
- check test schedules and quiz availability windows
- review recent course announcements
Example prompts for the agent
- What assignments are due over the next two days?
- Show my current grades and instructor feedback for class assignments.
- Summarize announcements posted this week across all my subjects.
How to install brightspace
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env D2L_BASE_URL=<D2L_BASE_URL> --env D2L_SESSION_DIR=<D2L_SESSION_DIR> --env D2L_HEADLESS=<D2L_HEADLESS> --env D2L_TOKEN_TTL=<D2L_TOKEN_TTL> --env D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES=<D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES> --transport stdio brightspace -- npx -y brightspace-mcp-serverReplace <…> with your own values. 5 more environment variables are in the server README
Platform CLI
codex mcp add brightspace --env D2L_BASE_URL=<D2L_BASE_URL> --env D2L_SESSION_DIR=<D2L_SESSION_DIR> --env D2L_HEADLESS=<D2L_HEADLESS> --env D2L_TOKEN_TTL=<D2L_TOKEN_TTL> --env D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES=<D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES> -- npx -y brightspace-mcp-serverReplace <…> with your own values. 5 more environment variables are in the server README
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"brightspace": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"brightspace-mcp-server"
],
"env": {
"D2L_BASE_URL": "<D2L_BASE_URL>",
"D2L_SESSION_DIR": "<D2L_SESSION_DIR>",
"D2L_HEADLESS": "<D2L_HEADLESS>",
"D2L_TOKEN_TTL": "<D2L_TOKEN_TTL>",
"D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES": "<D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. 5 more environment variables are in the server README
Config file
{
"servers": {
"brightspace": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"brightspace-mcp-server"
],
"env": {
"D2L_BASE_URL": "<D2L_BASE_URL>",
"D2L_SESSION_DIR": "<D2L_SESSION_DIR>",
"D2L_HEADLESS": "<D2L_HEADLESS>",
"D2L_TOKEN_TTL": "<D2L_TOKEN_TTL>",
"D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES": "<D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. 5 more environment variables are in the server README
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e D2L_BASE_URL=<D2L_BASE_URL> -e D2L_SESSION_DIR=<D2L_SESSION_DIR> -e D2L_HEADLESS=<D2L_HEADLESS> -e D2L_TOKEN_TTL=<D2L_TOKEN_TTL> -e D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES=<D2L_INCLUDE_COURSES> brightspace npx -y brightspace-mcp-serverReplace <…> with your own values. 5 more environment variables are in the server README
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about brightspace
How do I install brightspace in Claude Code?
Add the server directly using claude mcp add brightspace -- npx -y brightspace-mcp-server.
What does the brightspace MCP server do?
It allows your AI assistant to read assignments, test calendars, grades, and announcements straight from D2L Brightspace.
Can this tool submit homework or alter my records?
No. It operates exclusively in read-only mode, so it cannot upload files, submit quizzes, or delete items in Brightspace.
