There are several current problems that exist that will be addressed by adopting coordinated scheduling, aided by more sophisticated technology:
It is difficult to meet the pedagogical goals and needs of teaching faculty: There is no well-maintained collection of information about the attributes of rooms – seating capacity, the availability of technology, or seating formats and other information - that is pedagogically relevant. Access to rooms that are appropriate in size or format for contemporary and emerging forms of program and course delivery is undermined by our current uni-academic unit approach to scheduling classes and room booking. |
The large number of conflicting courses limit student enrolment choices and may delay graduation: Program delivery is increasingly interdisciplinary and students are encouraged to take a multi-disciplinary approach to their studies, however classes are currently scheduled in a unidisciplinary manner (reflecting the needs of single academic units). It is difficult for students to create a class schedule that doesn’t conflict. The number of conflicting courses limits their enrolment choices, perhaps delaying their graduation. |
McGill needs more space for graduate students: Better use of existing space for pedagogical purposes is expected to liberate space for accomodating graduate students. A number of academic units need more office space for current graduate students and/or to increase the number of masters and doctoral students in research disciplines. The number of conflicting courses limits their enrolment choices, perhaps delaying their graduation. |
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