Article

Real time course registration results in mixed reviews

All students are participating in the new system for the first time this semester
Lisa Salzano and Petra Telak - Staff Writers

Eamon Siggins/photo editor
A student pours over the schedule of classes while picking his classes for the Spring 2002 semester.

Students had mixed reactions to the instant gratification provided by new real-time registration system that went into full effect as of Monday, Oct. 29.

Some were excited about the new technology while others felt disdain for a system that might make it harder for them to get the classes they need.

Junior Corinne O’Rourke was concerned that it would make fulfilling her requirements more difficult.

“The classes you have to take are not open,” O’Rourke said.

The system, however, is not entirely new. In the past, students requested classes and then waited two weeks to find out if they were able to enroll successfully. The registrar’s office gave preference based on the number of credits students had. Registration was only live at the beginning of the new semester as people tried to finish their schedules.

University Registrar Jennifer Schorr said there were several reasons for the change. She explained that students always expressed a good deal of confusion over the old system. There was always a degree of uncertainty about when the system was live and when it was open only for requests. Schorr also cited the waiting time as an impetus for change.

Students would wait several weeks before knowing they were closed out of the classes they wanted or needed, causing a prolonged registration process and much more stress and disappointment.

Schorr also said she understands that students feel their ability to get the courses they need is going to be affected. However, Schorr explained that nothing has really changed.

Students were always awarded class preference based on credit, as they will continue to be. The way the system works now, students with more credits are allowed onto the system earlier to select their courses, thereby letting upperclassmen have a better chance at getting into their desired classes.

Students will now be able to know immediately whether they successfully enrolled in their desired classes, and will therefore be able to respond to these results by rearranging courses or selecting different meeting times.

“It’s good to know immediately which classes are closed out because you have more time to plan alternatives,” said sophomore psychology major Jennifer Burger.

Some younger students, like freshman Felicia Kotsamidis, were surprised at how straightforward it is. “This summer, it seemed simple and easy to learn.”

But some students still have some reservations. “I can’t complain. I got every class I needed, but I could see it being a problem in the future,” said sophomore Jason Tillim.