Course Scheduling Resources

Spring 2024 Course Timeblock Options (PDF)

The course timeblocks for spring 2024 are the same as fall 2023 with one exception: the 90-minute extended block options on MWF, for use by permission only, are now included on the visual grid. These extended blocks are intended for use by courses that have embedded 1-1.5 hour labs so that only one timeblock is utilized for both the course and lab component which reduces time conflicts for students. Departments and programs who do not currently have a standing permission to use these extended blocks are welcome to request usage. To do so, simply select one of the blocks in the scheduling spreadsheet and then include the reason for the request in the "Compliance Exceptions" tab for review by the Office of the Dean for Academic Affairs.

Spring 2024 Course Timeblock Usage and Repeating Guidelines (PDF)

Reference the "Block Usage and Repeating Guide" column in the PDF above for the timeblock specific rules. The underlying principle of these guidelines is to maximize the use of the full slate of timeblock options. To achieve this goal, the overarching rule is that Departments and Programs must use all applicable daytime timeblocks once before using them a second time (and must use them all a second time before reusing them a third time, ad infinitum). Daytime timeblocks run Monday- Friday from 8:00am-4:15pm. The evening timeblocks are recommended but not required. 

• Applicable timeblocks are those that are permissible for a department’s course offerings.
• If none of the course/lab offerings can meet the rules governing the use of a timeblock, usage of the block is not required. 

There are situations in which specific course pedagogy necessitates an exception to the timeblock usage and repeating guidelines. Departments and Programs requesting such an exception should include the reason on the "Compliance Exceptions" tab of the scheduling spreadsheet for review by the Office of the Dean for Academic Affairs.

Reminder: in fall semesters, timeblocks 5, 9, and 14 are reserved for first-year writing seminars or courses with a prerequisite or restriction that disallows first-year students. In spring semesters, these timeblocks are available for general use.

Originating Department/Program Responsible for Scheduling Course (PDF)

Although coordination between departments/programs for cross-listed course offerings and teaching loads for dually appointed faculty is strongly encouraged, only those courses that originate in the department/program are included when determining department/program’s timeblock compliance. Reference the PDF above for a list of all active courses and the originating department/program. 

Departments and programs who offer 10 or more course sections do not have a commonly available time during the week to meet as a group. Based on work done in the last academic year by the Working Group on Faculty and Department Meeting Times in consultation with the Office of the Registrar, departments and programs who offer 10 or more course sections can opt to use a designated timeblock, see list below, as their meeting time in lieu of offering a course section in that slot.

To opt in to the pilot for spring 2024, simply leave the designated timeblock open on the scheduling spreadsheet. To opt out of the pilot for spring 2024, use the designated timeblock below for a course and arrange group meetings at an alternate time.

Departments and programs who offer fewer than 10 course sections per semester do not need to use all the timeblocks once and so, de facto, have open/unused blocks from which they can select a meeting time. 

Optional: Designated Department/Program Meeting Times

• Anthropology: Thursdays, 1:15-2:40pm
• Asian Studies: Wednesdays, 1:15-2:40pm
• Biology: Tuesdays, 8:30-9:55am
• Chemistry: Thursdays, 8:30-9:55am
• Classics: Tuesdays, 1:15-2:40pm
• Computer Science: Tuesdays, 10:05-11:30am
• Earth and Oceanogrphic Science: Tuesdays, 8:30-9:55am
• Economics: Wednesdays, 2:50-4:15pm
• English: Tuesdays, 10:05-11:30am
• Government and Legal Studies: Mondays, 2:50-4:15pm
• History: Mondays, 1:15-2:40pm
• Mathematics: Thursdays, 2:50-4:15pm
• Physics and Astronomy: Thursdays, 8:30-9:55am
• Psychology: Tuesdays, 11:40am-1:05pm
• Romance Languages and Literatures: Tuesdays, 2:50-4:15pm
• Sociology: Thursdays, 10:05-11:30am
• Theater and Dance: Wednesdays, 11:40am-1:05pm
• Visual Arts: Thursdays, 11:40am-1:05pm

Spring 2024 Scheduling Spreadsheet

Chairs/Directors and ADCs can find the scheduling spreadsheet template in their email or may download the spreadsheet above. Below is an example of what a completed scheduling spreadsheet could look like.

Please note that schedules not in compliance with timeblock usage and repeating guidelines that do not include clear, pedagogical exception requests, will be sent back for adjustment. 

All instructors teaching in the spring will receive a custom link via email for each class/lab to complete an abbreviated version of the course offering worksheet. This "mini-COW" will collect information about instructor technology, learning assistant, auditing, and course material requirements ONLY and should take just a few minutes to complete.

When the schedule goes live on October 30, Classfinder will not include any classes/labs for which we do not receive a "mini-COW" by the deadline.