Updated Classroom Search Tool helps faculty and students prepare for success

The Office of the Registrar at the University of Calgary has updated its Classroom Search Tool, making it easier than ever for students, instructors and academic advisors to explore learning spaces virtually and view classroom capabilities. 

The tool, launched in 2024, allows community members to preview many UCalgary classrooms with photos, seating layouts and list of room-technology features. The updated tool has undergone significant changes, especially in providing accessibility information for each classroom. 

What’s new 

• Forty more classrooms added, with more coming soon. 
• Enhanced accessibility info: Classroom pages now include information on elevator access, automatic door openers and accessible seating locations. 
• Improved search and filters: Quickly find classrooms that meet specific requirements. 

Tool used for planning ahead 

For students, the tool addresses the stress typically seen around transition periods. Any student, whether new to university or those nearing graduation, can easily look up their learning spaces ahead of time, which can reduce stress and help them focus sooner on learning. And instructors can begin planning lessons and activities based on classroom capabilities much earlier, as soon as classroom assignments are completed.

Geoff MacIntosh, BSc'11, manager of operations and services for Student Accessibility Services, says he uses the tool often, but especially at the beginning of semesters. One common way he uses the tool is finding an alternative space if a student with a disability identifies an issue with a proposed learning space. 

The tool’s accessibility section includes detailed features such as whether there is elevator access to the floor, automatic door openers at the classroom, the width of doorways, as well as the location of accessible seating, which helps students with disabilities better anticipate their classroom environment.

“If a student brings a concern to me, I can then look at the room, discuss what the student’s specific concerns are and then figure out what other rooms might be possible or even what we can try to adjust within the current room to make it work for that student,” says MacIntosh.

Exploring classrooms online means it saves time for MacIntosh and the students he supports. In the past, students with physical disabilities might have to take an Access Calgary bus to campus to view their classrooms in person to see if they’ll be suitable, which could use up a full day, or MacIntosh would need to do so on their behalf. Now, students can stay home and look online. 

“For most students, it comes as a complete surprise that such a (tool) even exists,” says MacIntosh. “The tool is not technically built just for students with disabilities, but I think it's so clearly an obvious value to students, specifically with disabilities, that a lot of students feel like it was built for them, and that feels really good.” 

Supporting student success 

The Classroom Search Tool is part of an effort to support inclusive learning, says MacIntosh.

“We talk a lot about our place in the U15 and ultimately wanting to be the best university,” says MacIntosh. “Helping students that are traditionally undervalued and under-considered is just part of being a good university.” 

The Classroom Search Tool is part of a collaborative effort of the Chancellor Cuthbertson Student Success Centre, Office of the Registrar, Taylor Institute of Teaching and Learning, and Campus Architecture. Visit the tool's website for more information.