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Cornell University Uses Integer Programming to Optimize Final Exam Scheduling

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents an integer programming-based optimization framework designed to address Cornell University’s complex final exam scheduling challenges. By generating and comparing multiple scheduling variants using Group-then-Sequence and Layer-Cake heuristic approaches, the framework empowers the University Registrar to select schedules that dramatically reduce exam conflicts and enhance student and faculty satisfaction. The models have been successfully implemented at Cornell for several consecutive semesters, demonstrating significant advantages over the historical lecture time-based scheduling method.

Source: INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics

DOI: 10.1287/inte.2024.0165

Authors: Tinghan Ye, Adam S. Jovine, Willem van Osselaer, Qihan Zhu, David B. Shmoys

Institutions: Georgia Institute of Technology, Cornell University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Scheduling and Timetabling Solutions

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4415925747

FWCI: 0.795

Cites: 36

Cited by: 1

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