The news for reservist students: The system that will prevent discrimination in academic courses

Ariel University is launching a pilot in the Computer Science Department for a new placement system based on a mathematical algorithm, designed to replace the "first come, first served" method in registering for elective courses. The system, developed by Prof. Erel Segal-Halevi, allows students to distribute points among desired courses within a two-day window, and activates a compensation mechanism for those who did not get their first priority. The pilot is also adapted for reservist students.

Ariel University is launching a pilot this year in the Computer Science Department for a new placement system for registering for elective courses, designed to replace the "first come, first served" method that caused much frustration among students. The system was developed by Prof. Erel Segal-Halevi, a researcher in the field of computational social choice. Instead of a competition for registration speed, a two-day registration window opens in which each student distributes points among the courses they are interested in. After the window closes, a mathematical algorithm operates in several rounds, and in each round, one course is assigned to each student while trying to maximize alignment with their preferences. A student who did not receive their first choice receives compensation in the form of points that continue with them to the next round and increase their chances. The system is adapted for reservist students, who are not available at the moment registration opens. At the end of the process, students receive their placement result along with the considerations that formed the basis of the decision, for transparency. The university notes that unlike previous years, no complaints have been received in the current pilot. After data analysis, expansion to additional departments will be considered.