Some can still recall the dreaded automated words that would inform you that the class section you just selected was full. Upon hearing this you no doubt proceeded to slam the phone against the wall in disgust because you had heard that voice about 20 times in last 25 minutes. Thankfully, the University class scheduling system has improved immensely since then.

The first big improvement comes as scheduling via the internet.The University maintains a website that allows to students to schedule classes from their own room without worry of getting a busy signal as often happened with the Star 90 system,the phone operated scheduling system.

If the students didn’t like either of these methods of scheduling, they could always go to the Administration building to schedule their courses.

However, another problem still existed. Students complained that there was too much congestion in the system. In other words, too many students were scheduling at the same time. Again, the University made an improvement.

The system determining which students can begin scheduling at what times is based upon class standing and birth month. The University made the categories smaller.

The new scheduling table determines when students will begin scheduling based on their class standing, birth month and birthday. This allows for less congestion and happier students. Also, this will be the last semester for the Star 90 scheduling system. The University hopes to have all scheduling done via the internet.

In fact, students can even search course descriptions and the spring 2004 course scheduling catalog on-line. There is a link provided to both sights at students’ personal Mybgsu webpage. All of these improvements and changes make scheduling much less stressful.

The only remaining stress that seems to still be associated with scheduling is the inability to get into a course that is required for a student to graduate. This could be the next improvement project which the University undertakes. They have been on a roll with excellent improvements to the scheduling system.

Despite what some may think, the University does occasionally answer student wishes. And, it is a nice change not to hear students complain about the improvements for which they asked. So have fun scheduling your courses. It will be the least stressful part of your semester.