CS3604 Presentation Matching Algorithm

Assigns student presentation dates and press pool reviews using the Gale-Shapley stable matching algorithm.

What It Does

1. Matches ~100 students to 25 presentation dates based on preferences
2. Assigns each student 2 review dates (not on their own presentation day)
3. Supports partner requests
4. Ensures balanced distribution (4 students per date)

Requirements

• Python 3.7+
• pandas
• openpyxl

Install dependencies:

pip install pandas openpyxl

Files

• matcher.py - Main matching algorithm
• create_csv.py - Generates sample data
• students_survey.csv - Input file with student preferences
• Final_Presentation_Schedule.xlsx - Output with presentation assignments
• Final_Press_Pool.xlsx - Output with review assignments

How to Use

1. Create Input File

Create students_survey.csv with these columns:

Student Name,Choice 1,Choice 2,Choice 3,Partner Name
Alpha Student,9/8/2025,9/10/2025,9/15/2025,Beta Student
Beta Student,9/8/2025,9/22/2025,10/1/2025,Alpha Student
Gamma Student,9/8/2025,9/10/2025,10/6/2025,N/A

Notes:

• Date format: M/D/YYYY
• Partner requests must be mutual
• Use "N/A" for students without partners

2. Run the Program

Generate sample data (optional):

python create_csv.py

Run the matcher:

python matcher.py

3. Check Output

Two Excel files are created:

• Final_Presentation_Schedule.xlsx - Shows assigned presentation dates
• Final_Press_Pool.xlsx - Shows assigned review dates

Configuration/Scalability

Edit these values in matcher.py:

STUDENTS_PER_GROUP = 2        # Students per presentation group
GROUPS_PER_DATE = 2           # Groups per date
REVIEWS_PER_STUDENT = 2       # Reviews each student does

To change available dates, edit the available_dates list in matcher.py.