> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.simnetonline.com/instructor-experience/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.simnetonline.com/instructor-experience/getting-started/best-practices/setting-up-a-new-term.md).

# Setting up a New Term

Preparing for a new semester or term to get the most out of SIMnet

### Copying <a href="#copying" id="copying"></a>

If you are going to re-use your current course structure, start by creating new courses based on the ones you already have with SIMnet's copy course feature. Copying current content before you archive can avoid headaches based on trying to find the appropriate content later.

You can put off this step if you are using a Course Master to copy content into a new course since the Course Master does not get archived.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Learn more:** [Copy Course](/instructor-experience/creating-and-managing-courses/course-snapshot/copy-course.md)
{% endhint %}

### Archiving <a href="#archiving" id="archiving"></a>

Once you have copied the course structure of your previous semester courses into your next semester courses, it is time to archive courses or students that will not be used going forward. Archiving also ensures that new students won't try to enroll in old courses.

Archiving keeps you lists clean and is completely reversible from within SIMnet.

We do not recommend reusing the same course and simply archiving the students within a course. This becomes problematic when changing materials in the course. When previous students have completed assignments, even if they are archived, those assignments and grades cannot be deleted from the course.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Learn more:** Archiving Courses, Archiving Students
{% endhint %}

### Scheduling <a href="#scheduling" id="scheduling"></a>

Copying course materials from previous semesters can be accomplished by using a date schedule or by shifting the course dates forward by a set number of days. This typically leaves a few changes that will be required before the start of the semester.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Learn more:** [Copy Course](/instructor-experience/creating-and-managing-courses/course-snapshot/copy-course.md)
{% endhint %}

SIMnet requires a Start Date for your course. If you set that date in the future, you can limit student's enrollment in your course until the course is open. You can also set an end date for the course that will keep students from viewing or enrolling in old courses.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Learn more:** [Course Header & Actions](/instructor-experience/creating-and-managing-courses/course-snapshot/course-header-and-actions.md)
{% endhint %}

Be sure to edit the course schedule before adding new students to the course. If your course materials are past their Due Date when you add new students, those students will receive a 0 grade for all of those assignments. Once you move your assignment dates those 0s will still be there until your students attempt an assignment. This does not have an effect on the ability of students to complete their assignments, but this will create confusion.

### Review Course Materials <a href="#review-course-materials" id="review-course-materials"></a>

Ensure that everything in your new course is there and that your course does not need any new materials. If you have changed any course materials, ensure that the textbook you are using has not changed so you will not need to edit your licenses or eCommerce settings.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Learn more:** [SIMbook Series](https://help.simnetonline.com/manager/getting-started/simbook-series)
{% endhint %}

### Adding New Students <a href="#adding-new-students" id="adding-new-students"></a>

Enrolling students to your course should be the last step in creating a new course. Once students are able to access your course it becomes more difficult to make changes as some students may attempt coursework as soon as they're able.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Learn more:** Create Students, Import Users & Classes, LTIA 1.3 Integration
{% endhint %}

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