A helpdesk team depends on student workers. Their class times shift. Priorities change fast. And keeping it staffed without missing a beat? That’s a challenge every semester.
Hamline University was no exception to that challenge. Their ITS Helpdesk supports a wide range of tech issues across campus, relying on 11–18 student consultants, a small coordinator team, and a full-time director to keep operations running smoothly.
But scheduling a rotating student workforce was a constant juggling act.
“Academics come first, and we fully support that,” said Helpdesk leader Nicole Lorenz. “But it means we rewrite the schedule constantly, especially at the beginning of the semester when students are still adding and dropping classes.”
The Helpdesk relied on spreadsheets prior to Humanity Schedule’s implementation. Updates were emailed. Copies were printed. And things still fell through the cracks. Copies were emailed out and printed behind the desk, but keeping everyone updated was tough. Shift trades had to be marked manually, supervisors had to remember who swapped what, and there was no reliable way to track changes.
“We didn’t have an organized process,” said Lorenz. “It was easy to lose track of who picked up which shift or what version of the schedule was the most current.”
Adapting to student-first scheduling demands
A helpdesk team depends on student workers. Their class times shift. Priorities change fast. And keeping it staffed without missing a beat? That’s a challenge every semester.
Hamline University was no exception to that challenge. Their ITS Helpdesk supports a wide range of tech issues across campus, relying on 11–18 student consultants, a small coordinator team, and a full-time director to keep operations running smoothly.
But scheduling a rotating student workforce was a constant juggling act.
“Academics come first, and we fully support that,” said Helpdesk Leader Nicole Lorenz. “But it means we rewrite the schedule constantly, especially at the beginning of the semester when students are still adding and dropping classes.”
The Helpdesk relied on spreadsheets prior to Humanity Schedule’s implementation. Updates were emailed. Copies were printed. And things still fell through the cracks. Copies were emailed out and printed behind the desk, but keeping everyone updated was tough. Shift trades had to be marked manually, supervisors had to remember who swapped what, and there was no reliable way to track changes.
“We didn’t have an organized process,” said Lorenz. “It was easy to lose track of who picked up which shift or what version of the schedule was the most current.”
A smarter solution for a dynamic workforce
Hamline’s Helpdesk gained the flexibility and clarity it needs to operate efficiently, even with constantly shifting schedules.
Now, student workers can check their schedule anytime, from anywhere, using their phones or computers. Shift trades are tracked instantly, notifications are customizable, and supervisors no longer have to manage every change manually.
Greater accountability, without micromanaging
With automatic notifications and self-service tools, student staff are more accountable, and more independent. Employees know when their shifts are, can manage changes directly in the platform, and are responsible for showing up on time.
“It’s really improved accountability,” Lorenz said. “Initially we were concerned about pushing that responsibility onto the students, but the system has actually made it easier for them to own their schedules.”
Time clock integration adds another layer of accuracy
The Helpdesk also uses Humanity Schedule’s built-in time clock, which adds transparency and security to payroll. Cross-referencing clock-ins with reported hours allows the team to catch discrepancies early and ensure more accurate timesheet reporting.
Live visibility, better communication
Gone are the days of email confusion and outdated paper schedules. With Humanity Schedule, everyone is looking at the same schedule — always up to date and accessible. That shared visibility has strengthened communication across the entire team, especially when issues arise.
A more efficient, flexible Helpdesk operation
In less than a year, Hamline’s ITS Helpdesk transformed how it manages student staff scheduling. Humanity Schedule reduced the admin burden on supervisors, improved communication and accountability, and given student workers a tool that fits how they work and live.
“The Humanity team seemed like a committed, dependable group,” Lorenz said. “They’re all about open communication, which we appreciate — and we’ve already recommended the platform to others.”
TCP Software’s employee scheduling and time and attendance solutions are flexible and scalable to accommodate your business and employees as you grow.
From TimeClock Plus, which automates even the most complex payroll calculations and leave management requests, to Humanity Schedule for dynamic employee scheduling that saves you time and money, we have everything you need to meet your organization’s needs, no matter how unique. Plus, with Aladtec, we offer 24/7 public safety scheduling solutions for your hometown heroes.
Ready to learn how TCP Software takes the pain out of employee scheduling and time tracking? Speak with an expert today.
