AD ASTRA ESSENTIAL SCHEDULING INTRODUCTION

Starting in early 2026, the Office of the Registrar will begin a pilot phase of testing a new tool called Essential Scheduling that will allow more self-service functionality in the scheduling draft and section update process. 

What is Essential Scheduling?

• Essential Scheduling is a new application developed by Ad Astra, the company who also developed the application we use for room scheduling that provides more features to simplify the scheduling process and provide self-service functionality for quicker updates to courses as needed. 

• Some edits that would normally be done through a CSM request, like changing meeting times or adjusting section caps, can be done directly through Ad Astra Essential Scheduling and updated automatically in Banner. 

• Our hope is that this new tool will help empower departments to more easily and more directly make changes to the schedule. 

When will Essential Scheduling be Available?

• Essential Scheduling is currently in pilot testing with select departments who will begin using the new tool for the Fall 2026 draft process. More testing, training, and resources will become available throughout 2026 to ensure everyone involved in the scheduling processes is ready for implementing the new tool. If testing goes well, the new tool will be used by more departments to plan the 2027 schedule.

• Stay tuned for more information as the timeline for implementation is finalized.