Resources for new grading process

Several resources that will help faculty navigate the new grading process are now available. Scroll down to the “Process changes affecting faculty” section of the Faculty Go-To Toolkit to find out more about changes to the grading process. Guides posted there will also be posted in Faculty and Staff sections of the One Stop website at go-live.

The Upgrade cutover update

The Upgrade is currently underway with a scheduled go-live date of April 20. Changes to classes will need to wait until after the cutover period has ended. For periodic updates on the Upgrade progress, check out upgrade.umn.edu. You can also view detailed information about how specific systems are affected by the Upgrade cutover.

Confirm final exam schedules for spring 2015 classes

The spring 2015 final exam schedule for general purpose classrooms is available for review in Astra Schedule. We are still working on completing some of the special requests (ASR forms 123 and 163). Special requests will be complete in the very near future.

Be sure to look through your department's courses for accuracy. Email the Scheduling Unit at ocmsched@umn.edu as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

• An exam scheduled for a class that does not require a room
• An exam missing for a class that should have had one scheduled
• An exam scheduled at a time or place you did not expect

To review your department's final exams, please follow the steps below:

1. Sign in to Astra Schedule with your University internet ID and password in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
2. Click on the “Academics” tab located in the top navigation menu.
3. Click on the “Sections” link at the top of the page.
4. Update the filters in the left column as follows:
1. Is Exam = Yes
2. View Meetings = Radio button selected
3. Term = Spring 2015
4. Subject = Select the subject(s) you schedule
5. Campus = Mpls/St Paul
5. Click “Search” at the bottom of the filters.
6. To save your filter selections for future use, click on the save button on the bottom left hand side of the page.
7. To save the exam schedule as a spreadsheet for distribution, click on the  Excel icon at the very bottom middle. Choose All Pages, Open, and Yes. Move or hide columns as preferred. Choose "Save As," insert File name and choose Excel Workbook or Excel 97-2003 Workbook.

Want a few more tips and tricks for getting around in Astra Academics? Check out this helpful handout.  

Last-chance CCS training

The Academic Support Resources Student Record Training & Support team is offering last-chance opportunities for current and back-up schedulers to take the required Collaborative Class Scheduling (CCS) training. Taking time now to explore the new system in a safe, guided environment can save you frustration later. The classes will be offered on:

• April 2 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in 50A Humphrey
• April 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in 50A Humphrey
• April 10 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in 50A Humphrey

Seating for these upcoming sessions is limited. If you haven't completed the course, please register today!

Make your final changes in ECS for spring 2016

Class scheduling in ECS is in full swing for spring 2016 (1163). ECS period 1 for spring 2016 ends on April 9 2015. Remember to ensure your classes and your enrollments are distributed across both the day and the week.

We have seen a reduction in scheduling policy distribution compliance for fall 2015. Work with your department to ensure better compliance for spring 2016. We will not be able to schedule all classes into general purpose classroom unless compliance is met.

The Class Scheduling Distribution Summary illustrates the class demand by department and college. Refer to the class scheduling policy summary and FAQ for a refresher on the scheduling distribution policy.

Review room assignments for summer and fall 2015

General purpose classroom assignments for summer 2015 (1155) and fall 2015 (1159) are available on the One Stop Class Schedule. Room assignments are subject to change prior to the start of term as we work to accommodate all class activity.

Review general purpose classroom assignments for your department, and contact ocmsched@umn.edu if any classes that do not need a general purpose classroom have inadvertently been assigned one.

Please note: Changes made in ECS may result in the loss of your room assignment. Always confirm room assignments after making ECS changes to times, days, class status, enrollment capacities, and requested room capacities.

Final exam scheduling for spring 2015 (1153) continues

Space is limited this final exam period! Please continue to notify Scheduling if a spring 2015 course section will not require a general purpose classroom during finals week. Email ocmsched@umn.edu with the subject line “Spring 2015 Final Exam” and the designator/section number(s) in the text.

Standard final exams have been scheduled for spring 2015. The OCM Scheduling unit is currently working on scheduling common exams and special requests submitted through ASR forms 163 and 123. While OCM does its best to accommodate special requests, there is always a possibility that your request may not be able to be fulfilled.

Spring 2015 final exam schedule and regulations are posted online, here.