Universities use Internet
to implement schedules
By Jenny Jones
Senior
Writer
This time of year, Purdue students are sitting
down with their advisers to plan out their futures. However, at some
universities students are making these decisions via the Internet.
But what's the difference?
Ball State implemented an Internet scheduling system
approximately two years ago.
By using this system, Ball State students are able
to draw up a plan of action according to graduation requirements without
leaving their rooms.
Once students have decided what courses they wish
to sign up for, the computer assigns them to a class.
"We try to make it as easy as we can for the students
to get from point A to point B," said Michael McCauley, director of
academic systems at Ball State.
Although the scheduling system makes the final
decision about what section and division students end up in, students
can request their preferences.
According to McCauley, a large percentage of students
get the exact classes and times that they pick.
Even though McCauley feels Internet scheduling
is the most efficient way for students to register for classes, Ball
State students also have the option of scheduling the old fashioned
way - with an academic adviser.
Dennis Bowling, director of academic advising for
the School of Liberal Arts, thinks it is important for students to meet
with advisers.
"A strong relationship with an adviser enhances
a student's learning experience," Bowling said.
But the relationship that may flourish from face-to-face
contact with an adviser isn't the only reason Purdue doesn't have Internet
scheduling.
Gayle Hartleroad, an academic adviser in the Schools
of Engineering, said Purdue's registration system is too outdated to
include Internet scheduling.
"The root of the system is from the original that
was created and launched in the 1960s," Hartleroad said.
Even though Hartleroad agrees that visiting with
an adviser is important for some students; she does hope that Purdue
will eventually upgrade to net scheduling.
"The administrative and clerical time used to fill
out the paper forms and enter it into the system is an extremely poor
use of University time and money," she said.
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