Using "Reserve Time" to block your calendar in MU Connect

Overview

MU Connect reads your availability directly from your Outlook calendar to prevent students from scheduling appointments during busy times. However, Outlook availability can only be read up to 84 days in advance. The Reserve Time feature allows you to block time more than 84 days in advance.

When to Use Reserve Time

Use Reserve Time when you need to block scheduling for dates more than 84 days in the future, including:

• Summer Welcome advising appointments

• Planned leave or travel

• Conferences or campus events

• Other known commitments 

For dates within the next 84 days, continue to use your Outlook calendar, as MU Connect will automatically read that availability.

How to Reserve Time

1. Log in to MU Connect

2. Click the ☰ menu icon the upper-left corner.

3. Click Appointments.

4. Click + Reserve Time.

5. Enter the details for the time you want to block:

   • Title (e.g., Conference, Unavailable) - this will not be visible to students

   • Date and time range

6. Use the drop-down menu to select whether the block should repeat or not

7. Click Submit.

The reserved time will now appear on your MU Connect calendar and will prevent students from scheduling appointments during that period.

Important Notes

• Reserve Time is only visible in MU Connect. It does not add events to your Outlook calendar.

• For the best experience, continue managing your day-to-day schedule in Outlook and use Reserve Time only for dates beyond the 84-day visibility window.

Tips

• When preparing for Summer Welcome, consider reserving blocks early so students cannot accidentally schedule appointments during orientation commitments.

• Use clear titles (e.g., Summer Welcome – Advising Unavailable, Conference, etc.) so other staff viewing the calendar understand why the time is unavailable.