Google is updating the old appointment slots tool in Google Calendar. It is now called Appointment Schedule. Currently, you must opt-in to use the new tool.

  1. Go into your Google Calendar on the website.Google Calendar icon
  2. Click the gear icon to open Calendar settings.
  3. Scroll down to Appointment Schedule and check the box for “Create appointment schedules instead of appointment slots.”
  4. Set up your Appointment Slots for your calendar.

Detailed instructions from Google are available on their Use Google Calendar Appointment Slots page. Basically, you mark off a block of time on your calendar, designate it as part of the Appointment Schedule, and set the desired options.

Personally, I switched over to Schedule and have not missed the Slots tool at all. For WFU faculty and staff the most obvious use case is office hours or advising slots but there are tons of possible uses since you can have multiple schedules. There are some circumstances where the old Slots tool may be preferable, which Google discusses at the bottom of their Learn about Appointment Schedule page.

Google is indicating that Schedule will ultimately replace Slots, but have not provided a timeline at the time of publishing this post. Currently you can choose to use one or the other. 

Categories: Google Calendar

Archives