EMS: Seat/Candidate Classification

The core of the information required for examination seat assignment is contained in exam_sitting_room_seat (which records information about seats within sittings) and exam_exam_student_sitting (which records information about candidates of examinations) tables. Some terminology is closely associated with these tables. Understanding this terminology is essential to understanding how the overall system works.

Many of the words used on this page have specific, precise meanings within the system. Some of this is explained in the terminology help page.

Seat Classification

This table attempts to explain how the EMS classifies seats.

Not Selected [No exam_sitting_room_seat record]
Selected [exam_sitting_room_seat record exists] count_selected_seats	Not Allocated [exam_id IS NULL] count_unallocated_seats	Reserved (from Allocation) [seat_reserved] count_reserved_a_seats
		Not Reserved [NOT seat_reserved]
	Allocated to Examination E [exam_id = E] count_allocated_seats	Undesignated [seat_assigned IS NULL] count_undesignated_seats	Reserved (from Designation) [seat_reserved] count_reserved_d_seats
			Not Reserved [NOT seat_reserved]
		Rush [NOT seat_assigned] count_rush_seats	Not In Use [NOT seat_in_use]
			In Use [seat_in_use] count_used_rush_seats
		Assigned [seat_assigned] count_assigned_seats	Not In Use [NOT seat_in_use AND person_id IS NULL]
			Occupied by Candidate C [seat_in_use AND person_id = C] count_occupied_seats

A paper is printed for each seat that is In Use. Additionally, a spare count is specified per sitting/room/examination, and that many extra papers are printed for that sitting/room/examination.

Candidate Classification

This table attempts to explain how the EMS classifies candidates.

Not Selected [No exam_exam_student_sitting record]
Selected [exam_exam_student_sitting record exists] count_selected_candidates	Not Allocated [sitting_id IS NULL] count_unallocated_candidates	Reserved (from Allocation) [candidate_reserved] count_reserved_a_candidates
		Not Reserved [NOT candidate_reserved]
	Allocated to Sitting S [sitting_id = S] count_allocated_candidates	Undesignated [candidate_assigned IS NULL] count_undesignated_candidates	Reserved (from Designation) [candidate_reserved] count_reserved_d_candidates
			Not Reserved [NOT candidate_reserved]
		Rush [NOT candidate_assigned] count_rush_candidates
		Assigned [candidate_assigned] count_assigned_candidates	Unseated
			Seated in Seat T