With registration for Spring 2019 just around the corner, the hot topic on campus is scheduling.
Starting Nov. 12th, undergraduate students at the University will have the ability to register for spring semester classes. Student’s registration dates depend on their class standing as well as their involvement in programs such as the CAP or Honor’s programs. Students can check this time under registration status on MyPacePortal. With this start date in mind, it is time to start getting organized in regards to picking the perfect schedule for the upcoming semester.
While some upperclassmen students may have mastered this routine, many new students may be feeling confused as to what makes a perfect schedule or what components are needed to graduate on time.
Here are 5 tips to help students best prepare for creating their Spring 2019 schedule.
- Meet With Your Advisor
It is extremely important to know who your advisor is and where they are located on campus. Your advisor is a key component in crafting a schedule that will not only benefit your interests, but also help you graduate on time.
“I just met with my advisor about a week ago and discussed what classes I need to stay on track with for my major,” shares University sophomore Lauren Moser. “Meeting with her definitely eased my stress and put me in a good position to tracking out my plan for graduation. Knowing and meeting with your advisor is important.”
Make an appointment with your advisor as soon as possible as they start to get busy closer to the registration start date. If you are unaware of your advisor, it is important to identify who they are as soon as possible. Your advisor is there to make your life easier in regards to academics and answers any questions you might if.
To know who your advisor is, students can consult Degree Works, check their success network(in OnTrack) or email [email protected].
Once you have an appointment, an academic advisor can point you in the right direction in choosing the right classes. For example, how many Area of Knowledge Classes you need, how many major classes you need, and more varying on your major. Make sure to come prepared with various courses that your advisor can provide feedback on.
- Know Where to Find Schedule Explorer
Schedule explorer is where all classes offered at the University are listed and explained to students. Knowing where to locate the schedule explorer is the first step in finding classes that will work for your upcoming schedule.
Schedule explorer is located on University student’s Pace Portal. While in schedule explorer, students can narrow down their search based on term, campus, subject, date of classes, attributes and more.
Once you have an understanding of schedule explorer, you can begin to draft schedule options that suit your major and your interests.
- Create about three schedules in case your classes close out
The key to not getting overwhelmed when it is your specific time to register, is having a backup plan, or two, or three.
As first choice classes close out quickly, it is important to have at least two or three back up schedules set to avoid stress. While more common for underclassmen students, it can happen to anyone.
“At any opportunity classes can fill up, so you need to have backup classes,” shares University sophomore Tristan Byrne. “I make three or four backup schedules to make sure I have time for everything and fill all my requirements.”
In order to prepare, select different major classes at different times, and classes with a lot of seats. Also, if you have a later registration time and date keep checking schedule explorer each day as it updates you as seats close out.
In addition, keep in mind whatever was previously discussed with your advisor. Make sure to prioritize requirements that you need based on your major in each schedule you make. You may even be able to email the professor teaching a class to see if there is any availability.
- Make sure to get a mixture of major requirements and electives
As briefly mentioned earlier, it is important to mix up the classes you take. Too much of one type of class can often be overwhelming,
“So right now, I’m taking criminology and math along with some communications classes I need for my major,” shares University sophomore Kaylee Molinari. “I do not get bored during the weeks doing the same type of work over and over again and that’s why I like mixing things up.”
Having a schedule full of similar classes may make the workload challenging, as you will be doing many of the same assignments. If you need a writing enhanced course as well as a math course, take them in the same semester to break up the amount of writing you will be doing with some math or vise versa.
Your advisor may also be able to help you find this perfect balance, so talk to them about their opinion in regards to mixing up the courses.
- Most importantly, start preparing early and remain organized
Finally, staying organized and on top of the scheduling process definitely is the number one priority. Get ahead of the game.
“It’s good to have an organized schedule because it definitely helps keep you on track, especially for graduation,” shares University sophomore Matthew Brech.
While the process of scheduling can be stressful, if you take it step by step and start early it may make things a little easier.
Starting to prepare early allows students the ability to make plenty of schedules in case classes close out. As well as allowing students to get any questions answered from advisors, and most importantly puts them on an organized track for academic success.
