Registration: You’re
Doing It Wrong
We just wrapped up registration for the Fall 2013 semester.
Every semester we reserve the first week of classes for late registration and
drop and add. And every year I have to exercise an extreme amount of control to
keep my filter switched to “on.” You guys are going to face-palm me into a
stupor.
First of all, stop procrastinating. Avoid late registration
and drop/add if at all possible. Why? Because it makes it easier on you and me.
Most of you probably know that there is a late registration fee of $25, but did
you know that when you make changes to your schedule and drop a class during
the late registration period that you will not receive a full refund? We keep
5% of any money already paid for a class drop. And if you drop your entire
schedule, guess what? You only receive a 70% refund.
Speaking of payment. Pay your bills on time. Just do it. Why?
Because if you don’t, you will be dropped from your classes for non-payment, then
you’ll be scrambling to get back into your classes during late registration,
and you’ll owe us an extra $25. And if you’re receiving any kind of financial
assistance, do not assume your classes are taken care of (because we all know
what happens when you assume). Get your ducks in a row on time. Know where your
money is and when it’s available to you.
Another thing about payment, if you registered for classes
and decided, “Oh, well, I don’t think I’m going to go this semester. I’ll just
wait to be dropped for non-payment,” think again. Every semester there are a
few lucky people who, for some reason, do not get dropped from their classes
for non-payment. If you were anticipating a drop, and it never happened, then
you have to perform a complete-schedule-withdrawal during late registration,
and you now owe us 30% of your tuition and fees.
And here’s a big one: remember whether or not you actually
registered. Yes, this does seem like common sense, but you would not believe
how many calls I receive from students saying they never registered for classes
and asking why we are asking for payment. Let me tell you a secret. With a few
clickity-clacks of my keyboard, I can access your account and see every single
change made to your schedule. Ever. I can see who registered you for classes,
when you were registered, and how. You can’t lie and say “Well, so-and-so-professor
must have put me in that class” because I can see the truth. If you registered
and forgot you did, just own up to it. I’ll find out anyway.
Another common sense reminder: don’t give your login
information to anyone. No one. Don’t have Mama or Daddy register you for classes.
(And side note: don’t ever have Mama and Daddy do anything for you. You’re at
least a junior in college now. It’s time to wear your big girl panties and do
it yourself). If your spouse calls and needs access to your online account,
guess what? We can’t give them that information because they aren’t the
student; you are. Also, don’t give your login information to a friend or a
roommate or put it where they can get to it. Why? Because once upon a
registration, someone’s roommate got mad at them, logged into their online
account, messed with their schedule, and dropped them from classes. Seriously.
It has happened.
Take registration and your education seriously, be prepared,
and be on time. It’s not difficult. It takes minimal time and effort. If you
have any questions about registration, you can always contact the admissions
office. Oh, and if you have a financial aid question, contact financial aid—not
admissions. Same for the bookstore, payment, etc. Though we are flattered you
think we do everything in admissions, we don’t.
Sincerely,
The Admissions Fairy
Sincerely,
The Admissions Fairy
