Cluster Scheduling
Academic colleges are strongly encouraged to use cluster scheduling to expedite student registration. Cluster scheduling is defined as linking courses, particularly required courses, at registration. For example, specific, linked sections of Calculus A, Chemistry Lecture, Chemistry Laboratory, English Composition, and FYE would be joined as one schedule and students would register for the entire set of courses; the selection of an elective would either be of their choice or from a list of recommended electives. Cluster scheduling can be applied to all students; however, cluster scheduling for the first two semesters is particularly beneficial to students in their freshman year and will enhance the orientation experience for these students. Cluster scheduling assists incoming students with obtaining the classes that they need for their first two semesters and increases the ease of scheduling for students during orientation. Cluster scheduling assists in retaining freshman students because they know the courses they need to take spring semester will be available to them.