Over the past few years, students have indicated through the National Student Survey, Subject Reps and other Officer elections that they want to see an overhaul in how timetabling is administered. It was in fact one of my manifesto points when I became Education Officer last year.

I am delighted to announce that the University are now working to undertake a major project to change the way the student timetable is produced and delivered.

At the heart of the project, new software has been purchased and will start to be implemented across Colleges from 2014/15 academic year. These enhancements will include:

• Real-time Access to Timetables - The University are delivering a standalone project implementing new calendaring software which will provide students with real-time access to their timetable via their web linked devices.
   
• Web Room Booking – This new system will enable staff to view teaching room availability and request a room booking via a web based system that will be accessed via the intranet.

• Data Collection Form – The new form will improve the initial timetable data collection process.  

• Timetabling software upgrade –one of the key improvements will be to allow all College/Departmental timetable coordinators access to the central timetabling system via the intranet. This will enable all users to manage their own departmental room bookings using the central timetabling system to improve communication with students.

Students’ Union President Zahid Raja said: “Timetabling is often cited as one of the biggest pains for students. I’m incredibly pleased to see that the University have made a significant investment in how timetabling will be administered. This will allow students who have jobs, caring responsibilities and extra-curricular commitments to plan their time at University in a more effective way.”