Fall 2020 Optimizer Run
December 11, 2019
We have completed our cleanup of the Optimizer run for Fall 2020 (2208) in CollegeNET and I have turned on your security to make edits for that semester in LionPATH. This is the first semester that we are using CollegeNET’s Lynx interface. This is a quicker interface, so you should see changes happen in both systems faster.
This was by far the worst Optimizer run we have ever seen. Here are the reasons for that:
- We had more than double the amount of non-standard classes than we have ever had since using CollegeNET.
- The majority of you did not pre-assign your department rooms in LionPATH before the Optmizer ran. This causes the Optimizer to look for general purpose classrooms for your classes that should be in a lab, gym, or department room. We caught some of you and removed your general purpose classroom, but I know there are more out there and these need fixed right away so classes that really need a GPC can get one. ASSIGN YOUR DEPARTMENT SPACES BEFORE THE OPTMIZER RUNS!
- Everyone wants to offer their classes TR 10:35-11:50 and TR 1:35-2:50. Not everyone can have a class at that time.
Here are a couple things to check for now that the Optimizer is done:
- Please look at your classes in both CollegeNET and LionPATH to make sure you are seeing the same room in both. Whatever room you see in CollegeNET is the room you have.
- To do this, I would suggest using the PE_SR_CLASS_TERM_SUBJECT query in LionPATH and then look up your classes in CollegeNET by following the 25Live Pro Event Search Directions attachment. This will bring up all your classes in CollegeNET and you will be able to see the Facility ID that has been assigned to your class in the Locations column.
- Remember that CollegeNET cannot push back a blank value in the room field in LionPATH, so if you double booked a department owned room, it is most likely sitting in CollegeNET without a room, but in LionPATH it will still have that room assigned to it. You will need to fix these.
- If you did double book a department room, CollegeNET will try to find a GPC for one of those classes. Sometimes it is successful in finding a GPC, sometimes it is not.
- At this time, you can add new classes to Fall 2020, cancel classes from Fall 2020, and make edits to the classes that already went through the Optimizer. Remember that when you make a change in LionPATH, that it will take a minute or two for that change to happen in CollegeNET. Wait for that change to happen before you look for a new room.
- Room changes should only be made in CollegeNET.
- Remember when searching to only use your GPC searches (Instructions attached).
- We are using the Lynx interface for Fall 2020, so you may not be prompted to click the "Send Vcal Counter Reply" button after you save. If you are prompted, go ahead and click it.
The Fall 2020 schedule of courses will publish on February 3rd, shopping carts open on February 26th, priority registration beings on March 18th, and regular registration begins on March 25th.
If you have questions or need help, please reach out to esmail@psu.edu.
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