Academic Scheduling

The Academic Scheduling department creates and maintains academic course schedules for all degree programs at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. The department also manages scheduling, budgeting, and instructor contracts for select courses in partnership with the Office of Extended Studies. We adhere to campus deadlines and ensure that schedules are accurately reflected across all university and Smith School systems.

Smith community members can refer to academic calendars, class schedules, and scheduling deadlines for academic scheduling and reservation needs.

Canvas Access Requests

Adding TAs with Gradebook Access

To request gradebook access for a teaching assistant (TA), email rhsmith-scheduling@umd.edu. Be sure to include:

  • Course and section information
  • The TA’s nine-digit University ID number

Adding Users to Past Courses

Instructors can add users to past courses by logging in to emt.umd.edu, selecting their past classes, and adding the person as an observer or instructional colleague.

For all other Canvas-related questions, email ODL at odl-edtech@umd.edu.

TA and Hourly Payroll Appointments

  • The process for hiring and appointing TAs and hourly students is separate from obtaining Canvas access.
  • For payroll and hiring inquiries, email rhsmith-studentpayroll@umd.edu for hourly student hiring, onboarding, timesheets, rate changes, and payroll questions.

Exam Schedules

Undergraduate-Level Courses

  • All undergraduate exams follow the University’s standard exam schedule. The university does not allow colleges to deviate from this schedule, as changes may create scheduling conflicts for students.
  • Rooms outside Van Munching Hall will not be confirmed until about a month into the term.

Master’s-Level Courses

  • Flex MBA
    • The Flex MBA program follows a standardized exam schedule. Dates and times will be provided at the start of each semester for instructors who wish to use them.
  • Full-Time MBA, PhD, and All Master of Science Programs (In-Person and Online)
    • Exams for these programs are scheduled only when an instructor submits a request via email to rhsmith-scheduling@umd.edu.
    • Instructors who have already inquired about exams can find their exam details by academic year on Google Drive. Please note that processing exam requests may take several days, as schedules must be arranged to prevent conflicts with existing exams.

Timeline

  • At the start of each semester, the faculty will receive basic information about:
    • Standardized exam days and times
    • The process for requesting non-standard exams
  • In the middle of each semester, a full exam schedule will be redistributed after:
    • Faculty have had time to request graduate exams
    • All room assignments have been finalized

This timeline ensures that students have enough time to plan for the end of the semester.

For more information, refer to the standard university exam schedule.

Course Surveys

The Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment (IRPA) oversees course surveys across the university, while the Smith Academic Scheduling department manages them at the college level.

Faculty Notifications

Student Notifications & Participation

  • Students receive an automated notification when the survey opens.
  • Faculty members are encouraged to note the survey dates and set aside time during the last class for students to complete it.
  • Surveys can be completed on any internet-connected laptop or mobile device.

Survey Results & Access

  • Department chairs and associate chairs have access to survey results for instructors during their administrative terms.
  • Inquiries about survey results should be directed to msparrow@umd.edu.

Additional Information

Learn more about university policy and IRPA oversight of the survey process (CAS login and VPN required).

Room Requests

Academic Room Assignments

For academic room assignments, please email rhsmith-scheduling@umd.edu.

Internal Room Requests

Faculty and staff affiliated with the Robert H. Smith School of Business can request space for non-academic purposes.

Important Notes:

  • This system cannot change a course’s assigned room, day, or time. Such requests must be submitted to your associate department chair.
  • Final exams should NOT be scheduled using the Smith Scheduling System.

External Room Requests

Departments outside the Smith School of Business and external organizations should visit the Smith Programs & Events website for information on reserving Smith-managed facilities, including:

  • Van Munching Hall
  • Smith Suite at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center
  • Smith Suite at the UMD BioPark

 

Academic Scheduling Department

Mike Sparrow
Director

Rebecca R. Oliff
Assistant Director