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Understanding Instances

  • In CLSS, an Instance is a container that holds multiple terms for a group of Scheduling Units (SU).
  • Each Instance can include multiple terms including Archived terms (e.g., Fall 2025, Spring 2026).
  • The structure in CLSS is: Instance → Scheduling Unit → Course Sections (CRNs).
  • Instances contain Scheduling Units and Scheduling Units contain course sections.
  • Permissions and rules are first applied at the Instance level, then can be fine-tuned at the School- or College-level and further refined at the Scheduling Unit level.
  • The purple banner at the top of the CLSS page will indicate which Instance your Scheduling Unit is in. 

Navigation in CLSS

  • Log in to CLSS using your W&M credentials.
  • After logging in, you will be on the Instances page of CLSS.
  • Key messages, including important scheduling deadlines and helpful links, are displayed in the purple banner.
  • Under your SU's Instance, select the Term you wish to work in. 
  • This will take you to the list of Scheduling Units. 
  • Doubleclick your Scheduling Unit ID to open your Scheduling Unit's homescreen. 

Your Scheduling Unit's Homescreen

  • The top navigation bar shows the current term and Scheduling Unit you are working in.
    • Click the term to return to the list of SUs.
    • Click "CourseLeaf/CLSS" to return to the CLSS homepage.
  • The total number of courses scheduled and the number of sections are displayed as well as the Phase and Mode your SU is in.  
  • Use the up and down arrows to expand and display all sections (active, inactive, cancelled).  
  • To view all courses in your SU's catalog, check the "Show courses with no sections" box.
  • Doubleclick a section to view or edit it.
  • Crossed out sections indicate inactive or cancelled sections. Best practice is to re-activate an inactive section before adding a new one. You cannot reactivate a cancelled section. 
  • To add a new section, click the green plus sign to the right of the course.
  • Use View By filters to review your Scheduling Unit's sections:
    • By Course – Default view. 
    • By Instructor – Identify potential instructor double-booking within your Scheduling Unit and Undergraduate–Graduate level cross-lists.
    • By Day and Time – Review the schedule by day of the week and identify over- or under-used Standard time slots.
    • By Room – Review departmental room usage or identify sections requesting General Purpose spaces.