Schedule of Classes

Developed a PHP/MySQL class scheduling application with hourly Oracle Banner synchronization, advanced course search, and sorting functionality for university students.

Overview

Developed the backend and enhanced the search functionality of Valdosta State University’s Schedule of Classes website using PHP and MySQL.

The application retrieves course information from Banner, an Oracle-based student information system, and stores updates in MySQL to support efficient class searches for students planning current and upcoming academic terms.

The Challenge

Students needed a reliable way to search available classes across academic terms, subjects, campuses, and course types.

The university’s course information was maintained in Banner, but the public-facing website needed efficient access to updated scheduling data without repeatedly querying the source system.

The Office of the Registrar also required ongoing enhancements to accommodate evolving class scheduling and registration needs.

The Solution

Developed a PHP-based integration that checks Banner hourly for updated class information and stores changes in a MySQL database for faster retrieval by the website.

Enhanced the student-facing interface with additional sorting options and advanced search capabilities, allowing students to narrow class listings by subject, semester, campus, and class type.

Continued maintaining and improving the application to support the Office of the Registrar’s scheduling requirements.

Technical Implementation

The solution combined automated data synchronization with student-facing search functionality:

  1. Scheduled synchronization: Configured a cron job to run hourly and check Banner for updated course information.
  2. Oracle integration: Retrieved class scheduling information from Banner’s Oracle database.
  3. MySQL data storage: Stored changes in a MySQL database to support faster retrieval by the website.
  4. PHP backend development: Built the backend functionality connecting the synchronized course data to the website interface.
  5. Search and sorting enhancements: Developed additional sorting options and advanced filters for subjects, semesters, campuses, and class types.
  6. Ongoing maintenance: Implemented updates to accommodate changing requirements from the Office of the Registrar.

Outcome

Developed a PHP and MySQL solution that provided students with searchable, regularly updated class scheduling information from the university’s Banner system.

The hourly synchronization process supported access to current course information, while enhanced search and sorting functionality helped students identify classes matching their registration needs.

The application received ongoing improvements during my tenure at Valdosta State University. Although the website has since been redesigned, portions of my original implementation appear to remain in use. I am no longer responsible for its maintenance.