Find out how we are introducing a new timetabling system, processes and policies to boost staff and student experience.
Overview
What it is: the timetabling project will move the University from our existing teaching and exam timetabling systems and processes, which are not meeting our needs, to a modern system and updated approach. It will also provide a new way to book teaching spaces.
Why it’s better for you: the new system will reduce process complexity as well as being more reliable, stable and efficient, making working with it easier. It will also improve staff and student experience.
Why it’s better for the University: the system will lay the foundations for an improved timetabling service as well as presenting the timetable in a more modern, user-friendly and accessible format.
When it’s happening: the project started in 2024 and the next steps will be shared in more detail via this webpage soon.
How will it launch: as the project will be delivering multiple different functionalities and has several dependencies on other projects, it will be delivered in phases to best support the change for staff and students.
About the timetabling project
The University has recognised that our current timetabling service does not deliver a suitable or satisfactory experience for staff or students.
After an external review of the service in 2022 delivered recommendations, the University Education Committee (UEC) endorsed these findings and the project gained buy-in from key stakeholders. As a result, we are now committed to delivering a wide-ranging set of improvements to current timetabling processes and systems.
The work of the project will touch on almost all aspects of student and staff experience and is bound up with the future market position and operational effectiveness of the University. Working alongside internal process improvements (student number forecasting, quality checks on key data sets), as well as better collaborative working on business-as-usual issues, the new system will ensure the timetabling service is fully equipped to support current and future strategic objectives.
Benefits
The timetabling project will introduce a number of benefits:
- continuation of business: a modern timetabling system will replace our existing system, ensuring the University can continue to run effectively
- staff capacity savings (revenue): the new system will ensure timetabling activity can continue without the need for a return to more manual processes, which would require a significant number of additional staff to support key timetabling tasks
- staff capacity savings (time): timetabling and ITS teams will be freed up from duplication of work and the intensive work required to manage legacy systems
- quality: the project will improve understanding of the timetabling process and the perception of the process across the University.
Timeline
Following the University’s decision in December 2025 to defer the final release of the Student Information System, some re-work is required to support integration for the new timetabling and exams software that are not dependant on Banner. The Timetabling Project is now replanning to identify alternative options for delivery and the project team are currently working to confirm revised timings for the next phases of the project.
Current timetabling systems will continue to be used for the production of the 2026-27 timetable. This will include the provision of the teaching timetable to students and staff via CMS (also known as Oracle or Yellow Screens) and Sussex Direct in August 2026.
An updated timeline for the project will be published as soon as this information becomes available.