Discussion at these sessions on computer-aided course scheduling revealed serious concern that smaller institutions do not have the resources to purchase course scheduling systems meeting their particular needs. At the later roundtable meeting, convened by the Midwestern Higher Education Commission, participants unanimously agreed that the identified problem merited solution-oriented investigation. Subsequently, an ad hoc group of volunteers prepared and submitted a planning proposal to the Commission. Among the first actions of the Committee was the design and conduct of a survey on scheduling software use, requirements and preferences . Survey results were reported to the Commission in December 1994 and were publicly released in February 1995.
Cost is the major barrier.
Although many sophisticated scheduling packages are available in today's market, most are too costly for small institutions to afford. The Committee's strategy calls for engaging a reputable and responsible software provider capable of delivering software and services pursuant to requirements set forth by the Committee. The RFP approved by the Committee contained 25 software design and capabilities criteria as well as user support and vendor history criteria. The SAMS Project RFP was distributed by MHEC to 40 software providers and other interested parties on February 3. Results of the scheduling software survey were released concurrently.