Roll forward for fall (1159) and spring (1163) semesters

Class data entered into ECS rolls forward from the same term in the previous year (e.g., fall 2014 to fall 2015) as a convenience to schedulers. We will roll forward the fall 2015 (1159) and spring 2016 (1163) semesters on Monday, October 20. This happens two weeks prior to ECS period 1 opening to allow for data clean-up to take place behind the scenes.

As a reminder, classes with the following criteria will not roll forward:

• Canceled sections


• Tentative sections


• Classes with zero enrollment for the last 2 like-terms (excluding directed studies and research)

Confirm room assignments for spring semester (1153)

Room assignments for spring 2015 are available on the Class Schedule. Please review assignments for your department to ensure all classes requiring a general purpose classroom have been assigned. If a class does not need a classroom assignment, please notify ocmsched@umn.edu.

The Office of Classroom Management (OCM) only finds a general purpose classroom for classes with a blank Facility ID in ECS. If the Facility ID field is populated (including virtual spaces such as ROOM000TBA or AHCROOMTBA), OCM will not actively look for a classroom for your class.

Room assignments are subject to change prior to the start of the term. While this usually only affects a small number of classes, OCM encourages instructors to verify their classroom assignment before the first class meeting.

Fall 2014 final exam scheduling underway

Fall 2014 final exam room scheduling has begun. It is not too late to tell OCM which classes do not require a classroom during finals week! Please inquire with faculty and instructors to determine if a room for final exams will be needed this semester. If a room is not needed, just email class information (course, section number, and instructor) to ocmsched@umn.edu.

As a reminder:

• OCM only schedules final exams for classes that meet in general purpose classrooms.


• Final exams for classes that meet in departmental space need to be scheduled within the department.

Room assignments for final exams will be complete by mid-November for your review.

• Final exam regulations, fall 2014


• Fall 2014 final exam schedule


• Fall 2014 common exam times

Student Systems Preview Sessions

The Student work stream preview sessions started today! These sessions are the first step for learning about training and maintaining access for the upgraded system. No need to R.S.V.P. Come when you can and bring a colleague with you! Read more...

Scheduling U begins October 28

All schedulers should plan to attend the annual scheduling workshop series, Scheduling U. This year Scheduling U takes place October 28-31. Whether you are new to course scheduling or are a pro, there is a session for you during Scheduling U. Workshops are open to any University staff member.

Scheduling update


An update on everything scheduling: policy, classroom renovations, timelines, upgrade impacts, how to get the room you need, and more. This is a must-see session!


Speaker: Sarah Kussow (OCM)

Tuesday, October 28, 10:15-11:30 a.m., McNeal Hall 10

Thursday, October 30, 9:45-11:00 a.m., Nolte Center 140


Thursday, October 30, 2:30-3:45 p.m., CSOM L-122

The Upgrade: What you need to know about academic processes

You may have already heard a lot about The Upgrade, been to a college visit, seen sneak peek videos, or even attended a preview session. What else is there to know? Stop by to hear more on CCS, waitlists, class URLs, and grading. If you're saying "what upgrade?," this session will give you lots of fresh information. There will be plenty of time to ask all the questions you have about the Upgrade for student records and scheduling.


Speakers: Heather Micek & Renae Faunce (ASR)

Tuesday, October 28, 2:30-3:45 p.m., STSS 530B

Tools for the academic scheduler


Scheduling decisions often rely on gut feelings, instincts, and political sensitivities. Yet the buy-in for any decision is strongest when it is supported by clear, concrete facts. This workshop will show you how to access data that is already at your fingertips using UM Reports, Class Scheduling Distribution Summary, and Astra Schedule. You will learn to use these tools throughout the scheduling process.


Speakers: Renae Faunce (ASR) and Christine Mounts (OCM)

Wednesday, October 29, 1:00-2:15 p.m., Appleby Hall 303

Department scheduler open forum


Let's talk. From spreadsheets to databases to Post-its, we know that every department has a unique way of preparing their class schedule. This is an opportunity for schedulers to exchange practical experiences and challenges about their scheduling process. Bring your artifacts to share! We'd love to see how the magic really happens. The session will be a moderated discussion (rather than a presentation or a succession of speakers).


Moderator: Bob Quinney (OCM)

Friday, October 31, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Nolte Center 140