Issue

A user needs students to schedule multiple meetings for an entire semester but is unable to book appointments more than 90 days in advance using Personal Bookings.

Cause

Microsoft offers two different booking experiences:

  • Personal Bookings: Often limited to shorter scheduling windows and may restrict appointments to 90 days in advance.
  • Shared Microsoft Bookings Calendars: Provide additional scheduling controls and support longer booking windows. Microsoft documentation indicates scheduling can be configured for up to 365 days or more. [learn.microsoft.com]

Solution

Create and use a Shared Microsoft Bookings Calendar instead of Personal Bookings.

Create a Shared Bookings Calendar

  1. Open Microsoft Bookings.
  2. Select Create Booking Calendar.
  3. Enter a name for the calendar (for example, "Faculty Advising Appointments").
  4. Add yourself as a staff member.
  5. Create one or more services for appointments.

Extend the Maximum Lead Time

  1. In Bookings, select Services.
  2. Open the service you want to configure.
  3. Select Availability Options.
  4. Under Scheduling Policy, locate Maximum Lead Time.
  5. Increase the value to the maximum available option (for example, 180 days or more).
  6. Save the service.

Verify Booking Page Settings

  1. Select Booking Page.
  2. Review the Scheduling Policies.
  3. Ensure the booking window is not restricted at the booking-page level.
  4. Save and publish the page.

Benefits of Shared Bookings

  • Supports longer scheduling windows.
  • Allows semester-long appointment planning.
  • Provides additional scheduling controls and customization.
  • Supports multiple staff members if advising responsibilities expand.