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Cornell University Uses Integer Programming to Optimize Final Exam Scheduling

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  • Tinghan Ye

    (H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332; and School of Operations Research and Information Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853)

  • Adam S. Jovine

    (School of Operations Research and Information Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853)

  • Willem van Osselaer

    (School of Operations Research and Information Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853; and Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139)

  • Qihan Zhu

    (School of Operations Research and Information Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853)

  • David B. Shmoys

    (School of Operations Research and Information Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853)

Abstract

This paper presents an integer programming–based optimization framework designed to effectively address the complex final exam scheduling challenges encountered at Cornell University. With high flexibility, the framework is specifically tailored to accommodate a variety of different constraints, including the front-loading of large courses and the exclusion of specific time slots during the exam period. By generating multiple scheduling model variants and incorporating heuristic approaches, our framework enables comprehensive comparisons of different schedules. This empowers the university registrar to make informed decisions, considering trade-offs in terms of schedule comfort measured by different levels of exam conflicts. Our results demonstrate significant advantage over the historical lecture time–based approach, providing time and effort savings for the university administration while enhancing student and faculty satisfaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Tinghan Ye & Adam S. Jovine & Willem van Osselaer & Qihan Zhu & David B. Shmoys, 2026. "Cornell University Uses Integer Programming to Optimize Final Exam Scheduling," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 56(2), pages 159-177, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orinte:v:56:y:2026:i:2:p:159-177
    DOI: 10.1287/inte.2024.0165
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