Timeline:

Planned project kickoff date: January 9, 2006
Target completion date: December 15, 2007
Actual completion date:

A. Give this Action Project a short title in 10 words or fewer:

 Scheduling Revisions for the Semester Calendar

B. Describe this Action Project's goal in 100 words or fewer:

The goal of this project is to improve the scheduling of courses at Shawnee State by:

• more efficient use of classrooms and other space,
• better use of days of the week and time slots for classes, and
• decreasing course conflicts so that students are better served and able to keep on track to graduation with minimal disruptions. 

Objectives to realize this goal include:

• investigate the use of computer-based scheduling programs to increase efficiency and reduce conflicts and
• improved communication among departments to coordinate course scheduling.

C. Identify the single AQIP Category which the Action Project will most affect or impact:

Category 6: Supporting Institutional Operations

D. Describe briefly your institution's reasons for taking on this Action Project now -- why the project and its goals are high among your current priorities:

Shawnee State University is switching from a quarter calendar to semesters so an opportunity to become more responsive to the needs and expectations of a changing student population exists.  The current perception is that too many courses are offered in the same time slots creating conflicts for students and creating potential difficulties in being able to schedule courses necessary for graduation. Friday’s are not effectively utilized under the quarter calendar. The switch to semesters will allow for better space utilization. In addition, it is hoped that a change will occur in the “scheduling” culture that currently exists on campus which is based on a historical approach to creating a schedule.

E. List the organizational areas - -institutional departments, programs, divisions, or units -- most affected by or involved in this Action Project:

The groups most affected by this project will be the Provost’s Office; the Registrar’s Office; College of Arts and Sciences and its six departments; and the College of Professional Studies and its three departments. Other offices on campus such as Facilities, the Student Success Center, and Student Affairs may be indirectly affected by the Scheduling Action Project.

F. Name and describe briefly the key organizational process(es) that you expect this Action Project to change or improve:

• Communication among departments in identifying and avoiding course schedule conflicts will improve.

• Building the schedule each semester will utilize results of the communication among departments and the input from departments concerning scheduling parameters and priorities.

• The creation of the schedule will utilize computer software that minimizes conflicts and efficiently assigns space and time.

G. Explain the rationale for the length of time planned for this Action Project (from kickoff to target completion):

Shawnee State University is transitioning from a quarter calendar to a semester calendar.  The semester calendar will begin in the summer of 2007.  This project will be in place during the switch to semesters and beyond to assure the implementation of new procedures and structures and the collection and analysis of data regarding the impact of the project.

H. Describe how you plan to monitor how successfully your efforts on this Action Project are progressing:

An Action Project Team of 6-8 members will be formed to provide the detailed planning, implementation, and assessment of the Scheduling Action Project. The university’s Strategic Planning Committee will provide an oversight and coordination role with the Action Projects. Administrative responsibility for monitoring and assisting the Action Project progress will be with the Associate Provost/Director of Institutional Planning.

I. Describe the overall "outcome" measures or indicators that will tell you whether this Action Project has been a success or failure in achieving its goals:

Shawnee State University currently has a low efficiency of classroom space utilization when compared with other public institutions in Ohio.  This project will measure classroom usage statistics and the use of time slots during the week.  We will attempt to measure scheduling conflicts, possibly through student and faculty surveys.

J. Other information (e.g., publicity, sponsor or champion, etc.):

An institutional concern and need identified during the Vital Focus and Conversation Day was improved communication on campus.  This project will consciously model good communications by regularly informing the campus community about progress through multiple communication approaches including, web postings, emails, newsletters, and reports to governance groups (faculty, administrators, staff and students).  The project will also seek input from campus groups by a variety of means that may include surveys, focus groups, meetings with key individuals, open meetings, and requests for information.