Advisors: How to Set a One-Time Availability

In the event that you would like to add availability for sessions outside of your weekly recurring availability, you are able to set a 'One-Time Availability'. This article provides step-by-step instructions for how to add a one-time availability and how this type of availability may be useful to advisors.

What is One-Time Availability?

You are able to set a one-time availability on specific dates and times that are outside of your normal weekly schedules. One-time availabilities are a temporary exception to your schedule -- once the date of the one-time availability has passed, your schedule will revert back to the weekly recurring availability you have set.

Why would you use this feature?

One-time availabilities provide you with the ability to support students outside of your standard schedule. Below are a few situations in which one-time availabilities may be useful:

1. Increased Demand for Advising Sessions.

   During course registration, students may need additional support. You can add one-time availabilities to extend your hours during these peak times to support additional students.

2. Temporary Changes in Availability.

   If you are usually only available for sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, but have a change of plans that week that allows you to be available on Tuesday and Thursday, you can add one-time availabilities on Tuesday and Thursday of that week that span however many hours you're able to meet with students.

3. Accommodating for a Student.

   Sometimes, a student may request to schedule an advising session with you that is outside of your normal schedule, but you are able and willing to meet during that time. To allow this student to be able to request to schedule a one-off advising session, you can add a one-time availability on the day and time that works for the student!

Instructions: How to Add One-Time Availability

1. Log Into Your Upswing Advisor Account.
   
   

2. Access the Advising Module.

   From the home page, click on 'Advising' in left-side menu, or click on 'Meet with your students' on the home page.
   

3. Edit Your Availability.

   Within the Advising module, scroll down to find the 'Availability' section. To edit your availability, click on 'Edit'. You should now have the ability to make changes to your availability.
   
   
   

4. Add One-Time Availability.

   Within the Availability section, scroll down to see the subsection titled 'One-Time Availability', just below the 'Recurring Availability' subsection. Click on the 'Add' button to the right of 'One-Time Availability'.
   

   You'll need to scroll down within the 'Availability' section. Scrolling down on the entire page will not let you see the additional availability options.
   
   
   

5. Provide One-Time Availability Details.

   After clicking 'Add', a pop-up window will appear, prompting you to provide the details about the one-time availability you'd like to add.
   
   

   • Provide the Date.

     Select the date you'll be available by clicking on the date to open the calendar.
     
     
     

   • Add the Time Frame.

     Adjust the time to reflect the start- and end-times of the window you'll be available.
     
     
     

   • Select the Session Type.

     Choose the type of sessions you'll be available for -- online, in-person, or both
     
     
     

   • Provide In-Person Location Details.

     If you select 'in-person' or 'both', you'll then be prompted to provide the building and room where you'll be available for sessions.
     

6. Add the One-Time Availability!

   Once you've entered all of the details, click on the 'Add' button to add this One-Time Availability to your schedule!