Course Scheduling

Classroom assignments, class schedule training and other special course scheduling requirements are handled by Academic Affairs and the Registrar’s Office in coordination with the requesting academic department. 

Summer/Fall 2021 Schedule Building Timeline

Scheduling Grid

To maximize classroom utilization, standard class meeting patterns and times must be adhered too. Non-standard start/stop times disadvantage students who may not be able to add courses to their schedule due to time conflicts. Additionally, off-grid sections may have adverse effects on a student's enrollment verification, Coordinating Board census dates, and students on financial aid. All requests for off-grid sections will be routed to the Strategic Scheduling Team for approval. Department chairs should contact Academic Affairs for more information.

Approved Schedule Grids:

Course Schedule Templates

Due to significant schedule changes resulting from the pandemic, all academic departments are asked to use the following course schedule templates to build their schedule. The Strategic Scheduling Team felt this strategy would minimize data entry errors and enhance accuracy.

Instruction Method

There are four instruction method codes used in Banner. They include:

Classroom Assignments

Classroom scheduling is a dynamic process requiring reevaluation of class size, equipment specifications, and pedagogical changes each term. Classroom scheduling practices are greatly enhanced with the use of standardized class meeting day and time patterns. Additionally, departments are expected to distribute their MWF and TR classes equitably throughout the week. While every attempt will be made to assign classrooms as requested, the Office of the Registrar cannot guarantee assignments due to conflicting requests and limited classroom resources. Every effort is made to ensure that classrooms are assigned fairly, used appropriately, and accommodate the University's academic and instructional needs.

Room Capacity

Seating capacity has been determined in accordance with state and city safety regulations. If it appears that student demand will surpass the scheduled room, departments should contact Academic Affairs immediately, before the class grows too large, to determine if alternate space is available. 

Computer Classrooms

There are a limited number of computer classrooms available. The Registrar’s Office will attempt to accommodate as many requests as possible. 

Location

The location, usually an on-campus building and room, indicates where the class will meet. If the location is "TBA", refer to the course comment below the section information or contact the department offering the course.

General Information

Academic Terms

Specific dates for each academic term can be found on the Academic Calendar. When building a course schedule all terms will be listed as Full Term (FT) unless otherwise noted. Options include:

Assigning Faculty to Classes Early

It is a benefit to assign faculty to classes as early as possible. Classroom scheduling will review the faculty schedule to determine which classes are taught back to back by an instructor. Attempts will be made to try to assign the instructor in the same classroom or at least in the same building. Reports with no assigned faculty will be sent to the department one week before classes begin. 

Reading Day

At the end of each Fall and Spring Semester, one day prior to the beginning of the final examination period is designated as a Reading Day. Classes do not meet during Reading Day. Furthermore, Reading Day  should not be used as dates on which papers are to be turned in, examinations are to be given, quizzes are to be scheduled, mandatory review sessions are to be held, or for any other class related activities, other than office hours. Voluntary review sessions at which no new material is presented may be conducted by faculty on these days. There are no Reading Days during the Summer Semester or shortened semesters.

Important Terms

Strategic Scheduling Team

The Strategic Scheduling Team is responsible for developing recommendations to modify/improve the existing course scheduling guidelines, including scheduling grids, production timelines, and others initiatives in place to support an efficient course schedule.