2008 Woodie Awards
Adventures in WebReg
To drop, or not to drop
Jeanne Selden
Issue date: 8/22/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Perhaps you've picked up this copy of the Lumberjack because you're taking a break from watching the latest seat availability numbers while logged in to your WebReg account. You're not alone - many students do the panic "add-drop" shuffle. Here are some useful tips to navigate the first week of schedule switcheroo.
WebReg has a couple of handy clicks. Use the "Notify Me" button on the add/drop page. The website will send you an email notification when there's a seat open in the class you want. Try the "look up classes to add" option in the registration menu. You can customize your search to take that extra unit or two. But most importantly, log in and play around. Click on everything and see what it does.
If you're truly desperate, there are ways to get around the roadblocks. For example, you're fully funded for twelve units and if you drop below that, your funding goes down. To keep at your twelve minimum, enroll in anything. Pad your schedule with whatever class has seats left in it then crash and add the class you really want.
Crashing still exists! If you show up to a class you're hoping to add, do anything to get in. Sit on the floor if you have to. Keep showing up every day because really, someone will end up dropping. Thankfully, many instructors will pity you and your chances may improve. If there's no way you're getting in, take anything else, build your units up and pray you get in next semester. More units equal an earlier priority registration time.
Magic numbers are especially useful. They allow you to over enroll in a class with the instructor's permission, and can be obtained by your instructor often simply by asking in person or in an email. Some instructors have magic numbers to give out on the first day.
If your class doesn't have a lot of people in it, beware. First week cancellations do happen. If you don't absolutely need it, trade it for a class with a little more security. Also, don't overload yourself. Failing and repeating could add additional semesters.
Reflect on your daily rituals and ask yourself, "can I really get up for that 8:30 a.m. class?" "How long will it be before I can refill my coffee cup?" Know your habits: try and design your schedule to roll at your peak operation time whenever possible.
Be on top of your status! Paperwork, deadlines and messages can be confusing. Basically, Aug. 31 is your absolute and final day to straighten things out. Don't risk a headache in the SBS building by going beyond that date. View and print out your D.A.R.S. report to keep yourself from taking classes you don't need.
Above all, remember to breathe and good luck!
Jeanee Selden is The Lumberjack publicist.
WebReg has a couple of handy clicks. Use the "Notify Me" button on the add/drop page. The website will send you an email notification when there's a seat open in the class you want. Try the "look up classes to add" option in the registration menu. You can customize your search to take that extra unit or two. But most importantly, log in and play around. Click on everything and see what it does.
If you're truly desperate, there are ways to get around the roadblocks. For example, you're fully funded for twelve units and if you drop below that, your funding goes down. To keep at your twelve minimum, enroll in anything. Pad your schedule with whatever class has seats left in it then crash and add the class you really want.
Crashing still exists! If you show up to a class you're hoping to add, do anything to get in. Sit on the floor if you have to. Keep showing up every day because really, someone will end up dropping. Thankfully, many instructors will pity you and your chances may improve. If there's no way you're getting in, take anything else, build your units up and pray you get in next semester. More units equal an earlier priority registration time.
Magic numbers are especially useful. They allow you to over enroll in a class with the instructor's permission, and can be obtained by your instructor often simply by asking in person or in an email. Some instructors have magic numbers to give out on the first day.
If your class doesn't have a lot of people in it, beware. First week cancellations do happen. If you don't absolutely need it, trade it for a class with a little more security. Also, don't overload yourself. Failing and repeating could add additional semesters.
Reflect on your daily rituals and ask yourself, "can I really get up for that 8:30 a.m. class?" "How long will it be before I can refill my coffee cup?" Know your habits: try and design your schedule to roll at your peak operation time whenever possible.
Be on top of your status! Paperwork, deadlines and messages can be confusing. Basically, Aug. 31 is your absolute and final day to straighten things out. Don't risk a headache in the SBS building by going beyond that date. View and print out your D.A.R.S. report to keep yourself from taking classes you don't need.
Above all, remember to breathe and good luck!
Jeanee Selden is The Lumberjack publicist.
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