Automated Course Exchange

The Automated Course Exchange--ACE--is an integral part of registration. ACE comprises three major components: 1) automated electronic waitlists with contingent scheduling; 2) continuous schedule adjustment by touchtone telephone; and 3) rainchecks for future semesters. After several pilot programs and partial implementation since April 1993, ACE was fully implemented for first semester 1995-96.

Why was ACE developed?

ACE was developed at the request of students, faculty and other academic staff in response to increasing dissatisfaction with a) the instability of the first week of classes, b) "shopping around" during the first week of classes, and c) all aspects fo the fieldhouse Drop and Add process.

Students requested a process that would accomplish the following: 1) provide a rational approach to the registration and schedule adjustment process; 2) provide a schedule adjustment process that is fair, convenient, and respects student priorities; 3) incorporate procedures that are uniform across the campus academic units; and 4) provide better information about individual course offerings.

Faculty requested a process that would accomplish the following: 1) create an environment of enrollment stability during the first week of classes; 2) provide an opportunity for students to adjust their schedules before the first day of classes; 3) provide assurance that they can begin covering important course material on the first day of classes without having to catch up during the second week; and 4) allow student requests for enrollment in their courses to be treated fairly and equitably.

How was ACE developed?

ACE was developed with the on-going involvement and consultation with faculty, students and other academic staff at IU. Student surveys were conducted. Representatives from student groups participated and contributed to the design of the system. Faculty groups were also involved in the design and in establihsing the policies governing the new process.

Several pilot programs were conducted beginning in April 1993 as part of the evaluation and development of the automated waitlist and enhanced schedule adjustment systems. The participants in these pilots evaluated the systems. Their comments and suggestions were incorporated into the design of the systems as they were implemented.

What has happened to fieldhouse Drop and Add?

The implementation of ACE eliminated the need to conduct fieldhouse Drop and Add. Because the automated waitlist system and continuous schedule adjustment will remain active through the first week of classes, the use of available spaces is optimized and spaces in popular courses are distributed to students on the waitlist as they are available. Since students will also have had access to schedule adjustment by touchtone phone through the first week of classes, they will have been able to process their schedule changes before classes begin, as soon as they become aware of the need to adjust their schedule.

Sutudents have the tools at hand to plan their schedule and complete their registraton activity at the time they are first scheduled to register in the registration center. Late Schedule Adjustment begins on the first day of classes.

How do I know that ACE will help me?

Results of the automated waitlist system programs for the most recent major semesters reveal that more than thee quarters of the waitlist requests submitted were satisfied. Schools and departments review the waitlist requests and often make adjustments to their offerings in order to accommodate the unmet demand. Most of the students who take advantage of telephone access to continuous schedule adjustment are able to process all their schedule changes on the phone before classes began.

What should I do to prepare for registration?

The key to successful registration is PLANNING. Take advantage of the information resources on campus before you attempt to register. These include the on-line menu-driven and personalized schedule of classes systems and the student advising system, as well as the on-line course descriptions for courses being offered. In addition, planning can also include a visit to the bookstore to review the textbooks and other readings for courses you wish to take. You might also visit the library to review test files. It might also be particularly helpful to consult with the faculty member who will be teaching the course or who will be supervising the instructors. You might also ask to sit in on a class. When you report to registration, you should come prepared with a list of the primary courses or sections you want and a list of alternate courses in case you can't get into your first choices.

What if I choose to wait until the first week of classes to decide what courses to take?

If you attempt to add a popular course after you've initially registered or during the first week of classes, it is less likely that you will find any available spaces. The earlier you register for a waitlist, the more likely a space will become available for you. If you add a course during the first week of classes, you should be aware that you might have already missed a week of instruction. The responsibility for making up the work you missed is yours. The instructor and the studetns already in the class will have move ahead on the syllabus.