Implementation of Split Deadlines in a Large CS1 Course

2026-08-06

AI Summary

This study addresses the common challenge in large introductory computer science courses where deadline clustering leads to overcrowded office hours, resulting in long student wait times, reduced satisfaction, and excessive teaching assistant workload. For the first time in a CS1 setting, the authors systematically evaluate a staggered-deadline strategy: students were randomly assigned to one of two groups, each with an equally long but offset submission window, effectively halving peak demand. Through a randomized experiment combined with office hour log analysis, academic performance comparisons, and student surveys, the study demonstrates that this approach significantly improves office hour efficiency without compromising learning outcomes—no statistically significant differences in student performance were observed between groups. Moreover, most students perceived the policy as fair and effective. The work offers a replicable implementation framework, providing empirical support for mitigating resource bottlenecks during high-demand periods in computing education.

Abstract

Office hour utilization in computer science courses can spike near deadlines, producing long wait times, frustrated students, and overworked staff. To address this problem, a large CS1 course implemented a split deadlines policy. Students were randomly divided into two groups with staggered release and due dates. Each group had the same amount of time to complete assignments, but the number of students with each due date was reduced by half. Our study evaluates the effectiveness of this policy. We measure office hour utilization and staff efficiency near deadlines, examine the policy's impact on student performance, and investigate student perception of the policy's fairness and effectiveness. Overall we found that the split deadline policy increased office hour efficiency, resulted in no significant difference in performance between groups, and was considered fair and effective by most students. Our experience report includes reflections and student feedback indicating how to implement and further improve similar policies.

Problem

• office hour utilization
• deadline congestion
• CS1 course
• student support
• staff workload

Innovation

• split deadlines
• office hour utilization
• CS1 course
• staggered due dates
• educational policy