Introducing UML Right NOW: Revolutionizing Degree Pathway Planning

Overview

UML Right NOW is an innovative web app designed to automate the process of degree pathway planning for students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML). By selecting a major and optionally uploading an unofficial transcript, students can generate comprehensive degree pathways in just a few clicks. The app determines remaining course requirements and sorts them into upcoming semesters, effectively replacing the need for manual schedule building and academic advising appointments.

Key Features

• Automated Degree Pathways: Quickly generate entire degree plans by selecting a major. The algorithm takes into account prerequisite chains and course availability, ensuring that students have a clear, conflict-free path to graduation.
• Transcript Integration: Upload unofficial transcripts to get personalized course recommendations. The system automatically identifies completed courses and filters out fulfilled requirements, providing a tailored academic plan.
• Account Management: Save and view degree pathways for future reference. Students can create multiple pathways, allowing them to explore different academic scenarios and make informed decisions about their education.

Running the App

To run UML Right NOW locally:

1. Ensure Node.js is installed. This is essential for running the server-side code.
2. Navigate to the project directory: cd uml-right-now.
3. Install dependencies: npm i --legacy-peer-deps (ornpm i --force if needed). This step installs all necessary libraries and modules for the application to function correctly.
4. Start the development server: npm run dev. This command launches the app in development mode, allowing you to test and interact with it locally.

To build the project for production, follow the steps above and then run: npm run build. This prepares the app for deployment by optimizing the code and assets.

Tech Stack

Frontend: Built with Next.js and React, using MUI for components and Tailwind CSS for styling. These technologies ensure a responsive and modern user interface.

Backend: Also powered by Next.js, with authentication handled by NextAuth.js, encryption by Bcrypt.js, and data stored in MongoDB using Mongoose. This stack provides a robust and secure environment for handling user data and application logic.

Hosting: The entire application is hosted on Vercel. Vercel's platform offers seamless deployment, scalability, and performance optimization for Next.js applications.

Future Potential

UML Right NOW has the potential to significantly streamline the academic planning process, saving students time and ensuring they stay on track with their degree requirements. Future enhancements could include integration with official university systems for real-time updates, advanced customization options for pathway planning, and expanded support for other universities.

Imagine a future where students can access real-time updates on course availability, receive alerts about prerequisite changes, and explore various academic scenarios through an intuitive and interactive interface. The potential for this application to become a central hub for academic planning is immense.

Moreover, the framework established by UML Right NOW can be adapted to other universities, offering a scalable solution to a widespread problem in higher education. By leveraging the power of automation and intelligent algorithms, UML Right NOW represents a significant leap forward in academic planning technology.