Managing the Programme Map

Written By: iSIMS Support

Last updated: September 15, 2025

Managing the Programme Map

Introduction

The programme map defines the structure of how courses are to be offered within a programme, including which courses are assigned to each semester or year.

• It is critical that the courses on the map are accurate and up to date.

• The programme map determines programme structure, but does not control scheduling. Courses can still be scheduled in any semester or year regardless of their placement on the map.

• We recommend reviewing and adjusting programme maps on a semester or yearly basis.

?? Note: A full Programme Map Report can be accessed under Programme > Programme Map. This report provides a detailed overview of the courses within each programme offering.

Accessing and Modifying the Programme Map

1. Go to Programme > Modify Published Offering.

2. Click Edit on the programme you want to adjust.

3. Navigate to the Courses tab.

4. Add or remove courses as required.

Adding a Course

When adding a course to the map, ensure the following:

1. Correct Course Version

   • Click View Detail to confirm course code, credits, and weighting.

2. Year and Semester

   • Assign the course to the correct period where applicable.

3. Specialization

   • If the course is tied to a specialization, select the correct specialization.

   • If the course applies to multiple specializations within the same programme, add it to all affected specializations.

4. Core Course

   • If the course is required by all students in the programme offering, add it as a Core course.

Removing a Course

• If a course was added in error, it can be removed directly from the map.

• If a course is being replaced by a newer version, do not remove it. Instead, use the Course Replacement feature to replace it.

  • This ensures that students who already passed the old version will not be required to complete the new version.

Impact on Grades

• If a course is removed after grades were already recorded, the grades will no longer appear in the gradebook.

• To make the grades visible again, you can:

  1. Add the course back to the map – the grades will reappear automatically in the gradebook.

  2. Use the Course Swap feature to transfer grades from the old version to the new version.

Best Practices

• Review the programme map before each academic year or semester.

• Always confirm course versions to avoid misalignment with scheduling.

• Use Course Replacement instead of removal to preserve historical student records.

• Use Course Swap or re-adding the course to restore visibility of grades if necessary.

• Coordinate with Registry and Academic Affairs to ensure programme maps reflect approved curriculum structures.

• Use the Programme Map Report regularly to validate the accuracy of programme structures.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Grades missing from gradebook

  • Check if the course was removed from the map.

  • Solution: Re-add the course to the map or use the Course Swap feature.

• Students unable to register for a course

  • Check if the course is included in their programme map.

  • Check that the correct course version is mapped.

  • Use the Course Replacement feature if a newer version exists.

• Specialization courses not showing for certain students

  • Confirm that the course was added to the correct specialization.

• Core course missing for all students

  • Verify that the course was added as a Core course and not under a specialization.

• Programme map report looks incorrect

  • Run the Programme Map Report under Programme > Programme Map to identify inconsistencies.