The Art and Science of Course Planning

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Behind the Schedule

Hi all, 

Planning for the future is a constant in academic life. Even as one semester unfolds, the next is already taking shape through conversations, collaboration, and the detailed work that ensures our programs continue to evolve with purpose.

While not the most visible or glamorous part of the ADAA portfolio, curriculum planning represents one of the most collaborative and complex aspects of our work. Each decision requires balancing logistics and vision, managing limited time and space, and aligning priorities across our community to create the best possible learning experiences for students.

By weaving together program committee input and faculty expertise, we create a cohesive curriculum plan that accounts for the intricacies of more than 160 instructors’ schedules, including sabbaticals, grant-funded buyouts, parental leave, retirements, cross-unit appointments, and union requirements, while also ensuring appropriate classroom availability. The result is a comprehensive schedule for five concurrent residential and online degree programs, encompassing more than 400 classes that serve more than 2,000 students and reflect UMSI’s values.

Across the school, this balance of planning and adaptability is what keeps us moving forward. It is seen in the offices and individuals who strengthen student success, expand career development, and build meaningful learning experiences. Together, their efforts remind us that planning is not only about what comes next, but also about sustaining the foundation that supports all we do.

As the saying goes, many hands make light work, but here at UMSI, many hands truly change lives. Thank you.

Best,

Cliff 

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

University of Michigan School of Information