Learn How Achieve Syncs With Outlook
One of the neat features with Achieve is that it syncs with your USU Outlook calendar! This page contains information you should be aware of regarding this sync.
Calendar Sync Options
First, it's important to understand that Achieve offers two options for syncing with your calendar. The first option syncs both reserved and unreserved appointment slots, while the second option only syncs reserved appointment slots. This is configured when your account is first set up based off your submitted access request form. That said, it can be changed at anytime by reaching out to Teaching & Learning Technologies.
The calendar sync option you decide to go with depends on your preferences. Here are a few things to take into account:
| Sync Both Reserved and Unreserved Slots | Sync Only Reserved Slots |
|---|---|
| Appointments can be directly added/deleted in Outlook. | Appointment slots should be added/managed in Achieve. |
| Outlook will be updated upon student reservation. | Outlook will get updated upon student reservation. |
| Pro: Your calendar will reflect all appointment slots (whether open or reserved). A coordinator with access to your calendar can easily manage appointment slots. | Pro: Your calendar will look clean and only show reserved appointments. |
| Con: Your calendar will look busy with unreserved appointment slots. | Con: Your calendar wil not disply your unreserved appointment slots. |
Additional Calendar Sync Features
Reserved Appointments
When a student reserves an appointment slot with you, Achieve will automatically update your calendar to show the reserved appointment. In the title you will see how the student has chosen to meet with you (e.g., in-person, Zoom, or Phone) followed by their A-number and name. If you open the calendar event (by double clicking on it), you'll be provided with additional information. This includes the students answers to the questionnaire they filled out when booking the appointment along with that student's appointment history within you program or unit.
Auto Blocking Appointment Slots
If a calendar event (e.g., meeting) that is set to Busy, Out of Office, or Tentative conflicts with an open appointment slot, Achieve will automatically block that appointment slot and take it offline to prevent students from reserving it. An all-day calendar event that is set to Busy, Out of Office, or Tentative will block all open appointment slots on that day. That said, if you keep your calendar up to date with your availability (including with holidays and vacations), Achieve will take care of the rest.
A couple things to note about this feature:
- It works regardless of which calendar sync option you are using.
- It only blocks unreserve appointment slots. Achieve will not cancel reserved appointments if a conflict is detected.
- It can be disabled in your profile if you don't want this feature.