A New Era in Campus Scheduling
Within University Scheduling, Tourville is working swiftly to roll out changes this fall on how reservations and events are scheduled in the scheduling software. The Minnesota State system will begin to integrate online meeting reservations so booking spaces and meeting rooms will be directly linked to the student, faculty and staff’s account. Tourville explains that this change will not only help streamline the process for individuals, but it will also help collect data to track how often rooms are getting used by reservations. The goal is for this system to make scheduling more automated and user-friendly. “It’s going to be a new way of doing things, and new things are sometimes difficult the first few times around, but once everyone gets the hang of it, it’s going to be extremely nice for all Mavericks,” Tourville said. He hopes a large portion of reservations that come in will be more automated once the new system is launched this fall. "With change comes new opportunity,” emphasizes Tourville, which will help achieve the overall goal of bringing more people to campus, both internally and externally.
Another key initiative is ensuring that University Scheduling serves as a true “one-stop shop” for anyone planning a conference, meeting or large-scale event. University Scheduling is there to help individuals plan their event, make the necessary reservations and details, and communicate with those needed to execute the event. “The task is tall sometimes for University Scheduling, because we are the University that is ‘Big ideas. Real-world thinking. Inspired action.”, on campus and in the community. We have a campus and a culture that dreams big and therefore, needs to plan big and execute big.”
He shared as an example the Career Development Center’s plans to develop one of Minnesota’s largest career fairs in Myers Field House in the fall of 2025. A large event like that takes a lot of planning and coordination between all levels of Minnesota State Mankato. University Scheduling and Conference Services has to make sure that parking needs, tables, electricity, garbage cans, food service and all other day-of-event services are coordinated and communicated while maintaining normal university operations.
Looking ahead, Tourville sees even greater possibilities for how Minnesota State Mankato’s spaces can be utilized, especially by external groups during times when campus activity is lower. “This University has some amazing spaces and an amazing campus,” he says, commending the grounds crew for their work in keeping the space welcoming and warm. He adds, “We want to open our doors to external groups to everything MSU has to offer. We can explore ways that departments, colleges and staff can engage with potential students or returning learners in their areas.” Expanding the possibilities in terms of greater engagement with both the on-campus and off-campus communities will maximize use of these beautiful spaces around campus.
One significant growth area Tourville highlights is returning adult learners—alumni and others who want to come back to campus, explore more in their area of study or try something entirely new. “They want to come back and stay a few nights, relive some memories, while doing something that enriches their learning,” Tourville shares. To meet that demand, he envisions partnering with academic and support departments to create ongoing learning opportunities for adults who have the time and resources to re-engage with the University. Online literature is finding that it is often retired individuals who are most interested in ongoing education. Tourville imagines utilizing spaces on campus, such as the rock wall or Maverick Bullpen, to focus on providing returning adult learners or prospective students with services that can give them with a glimpse into campus life, as well as fun things to do.
Tourville is clear that his first step is to make sure University Scheduling is ready to take on the possible influx of reservations and campus events. He shared that the model that guides his work and life is, “if you’re going to do something, do something right the first time.” He highlights that is something he personally embraces and feels as though the office and University embraces as well. Tourville emphasizes that readiness is built on careful planning and strong campus communication. “It might be a slow build to first ensure there’s the infrastructure in place to start expanding,” he explains. “We have to make sure key campus partners have good communication so we can take on more opportunities. It may take a little while,” Tourville predicts, “but it will be coming.”
He stated that he would rather “under promise and over deliver.” So, with Tourville just stepping into this role in June, he remarked “my hope is that by next summer we will have a lot more defined,” such as marketing materials and a dedicated website with how-to guides with the process for community members to reserve spaces.
Big ideas, real-world thinking and inspired action on campus and in the community.
