There are two operational settings for the PolyGrade system: (1) use as functional gradebook software, and (2) specialization for various end users in the physical setting.

PolyGrade has been specifically designed for the Cal Poly Computer Science Department to efficiently maintain grade books. The system's main customer suggests using a standard approach of handling grades by using a paper bound book is inefficient and time consuming. If PolyGrade proves to be successful in meeting customer criteria, other departments on the Cal Poly campus may become interested in using PolyGrade for keeping track of course grades. Many other universities across the nation can use PolyGrade for the same purpose.

The university Student Information System would need to interface with this new system by allowing instructors to upload a class roster. This feature must be available for more than one upload in the case of students adding to or dropping from the course. PolyGrade will completely replace the traditional paper grade books as a more practical grading solution.

End users will interact with the PolyGrade system in different ways depending on their priveledges. Here are some possible physical settings:

• Instructors use their client computers to manage grade books locally on those computers.
• Teacher assistants use their client computers to adjust scores locally
• Students use their computers to fetch posted grades and perform "what if"'s
• The department server provides a database of classes and instructor grade books
• The SIS server will allow instructors to download class rosters and update student grades