A timetablers perspective how to throw away the paper and pens and still stay sane Kate Steele School of Economics, Finance and Management

EFM timetabling over the years the olden days: a month in Cornwall 1999 – 2004 paper, pens, post-it notes implemented Syllabus Plus (S+) – rooms and staff only – added students – students timetables on web – staff timetables on web

Committed resources 1 x senior administrator 1 x IT officer 2 days Scientia training course support & knowledge from other Depts 1 x days dedicated consultancy from Scientia Scientia help-desk support

Planning, planning, planning

Teaching plans WHO teaches what? – teaching loads WHEN are they available – constraints WHAT do they like? - preferences HOW do they teach? - patterns WHEN do they teach? - timings

Benefits: Academics, Administrators, Students single, comprehensive information system detailed, accurate information desktop availability to all admin staff online timetables for staff, students easy to see possible alternative slots easy to change student options dispenses with indispensibility

feeds Blackboard and new Student Feedback System guaranteed 2 research days for academics easy to accommodate special constraints academics can get live class lists easy to export information e.g. for Faculty room requests; analysis; etc better use of rooms (alternative slots) roll-over year on year direct imports from SiTS, datahub

So if its that brilliant why hasnt everyone done it? requires cultural shift initial set-up is resource-intensive and painful complex and demanding system all consuming activity requires last minute leap of faith