How to set product start dates and availability

Start dates and availability control when a product can be quoted and used. Set specific start dates, define repeating patterns, or inherit a campus's calendar; set an available period to limit when the product can be sold. These settings apply to programs, accommodations, and any other duration-based product.

Start dates control when a student can begin. Availability controls the window when the product is offered. This article explains the start-date options, the availability options, and how the two work together. It applies to programs, accommodation, and other products.

What it is

Every product has two date settings:

• Start dates — when a student is allowed to begin.
• Availability — the period during which the product is offered at all.

You set both from the product's tabs.

Why it matters

• A student can only be added to a proposal for a valid start date.
• Availability stops the product from being added to a proposal outside the period it runs.

Start date options

Choose one of four options:

• Use campus default — follow the campus calendar.
• Specific dates — enter set dates (DD-MM-YYYY or MM-YYYY).
• Repeating — every X weeks, months, or years.
• No start date — for products that can start any time.

Availability options

• Always available — no time limit.
• Set available date period — a start and end date for when the product is offered.

How they work together

• The start date is when a student can begin.
• The availability period is the window in which they can attend.
• A student's chosen dates must fit inside both.

Tips and common issues

• If a start date is missing from a proposal, check the start-date option and the availability period.
• "No start date" is useful for services and add-ons that are not tied to a term.