Each new semester presents the task of getting the right classes. The spring semester adds the pressure of being the last semester before graduation for most seniors.  

According to Vice Provost and University Registrar Louis Hunt, there are areas where students have a little trouble getting the classes they need. For those that need a class to be eligible for graduation there is plenty of time to panic, but taking action is the most important step.

“There are several options for students having trouble meeting requirements. For example, we’ve had a few more students pushed into Distance Education classes in order to help them get what they need, but that’s not the only option,” he said.

The waitlist option available on MyPack Portal allows students to stay on a waitlist for five days. During this time if they do not get into the class, they should make other arrangements.

Although not everyone gets into a class through a waitlist, Hunt said the success with the waitlist system in the fall was impressive.

“Fall 2009 was the first year we implemented this type of waitlist system, and we have many more students using the waitlist option this semester than in the fall so we are optimistic about its success this semester,” he said.

According to Registration and Records, waitlists empty on the fifth day of classes, or Jan. 15. This is also the last day to add a course without instructor permission.

Amy Wilson, a senior in business administration, said she got all the classes she needed.

“The order in which we get to register does help, and I think that’s why I got all the classes I need to graduate this semester,” she said.

Emily Freeman, a junior in history, didn’t have the same results.

“I didn’t get into any history classes this semester and I’m a history major. I’ll be switching to a history minor but I still need history classes, which I didn’t get into,” she said.

For these kind of problems Hunt recommends personally visiting one’s adviser or the department in charge of the class needed.  

“Normally, on a case by case basis, departments are willing to allow one more student into classes here and there if it is crucial that they take the course, but it always depends on the circumstances,” he said.

But requirements and prerequisites can prevent students from getting their dream schedules, and sometimes their dream careers. Christin Smith, a freshman in psychology with sights on pre-med, said she had trouble signing up for science and math classes.  

“I can’t get into some biology and math classes because they are held for biology and engineering majors, so as far as pre-med goes I’m screwed,” she said.

Patrick Phillippi, a sophomore in meteorology, had no difficulty signing up for classes, since he was able to register early.

“I’m in ROTC, so we get some priority scheduling, but I have no complaints, I got all the classes I wanted,” he said.