Course Scheduling: A Problem We Keep Asking Students to Solve

A recent New York Times article highlighted findings from an Instructure study showing that students across the country are struggling to access the courses they need to stay on track for graduation. The article offered recommendations for how students can navigate these challenges. I found myself asking a different question: Why are we still asking students to solve problems created by institutional systems? In this piece, I explore why course scheduling is one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—levers institutions control for improving student success, degree completion, and operational effectiveness.