TIGER TV ONLINE REPORTER
Kevin Ferrall is stressed about class scheduling.
Ferrall, a biology sophomore, is required to take the next sequence of a Japanese language course in the Spring.
Unfortunately, the course has only one time slot which interferes with core classes for his major.
“My Japanese class only happens at noonish and my other courses are around that time,” he said. “But I need to get [the Japanese class] because I won’t get credit for it.”
Scheduling for the spring semester begins October 25 at 5 p.m. Honors students, Graduate students and graduating seniors will receive priority scheduling.
Ferrall doesn’t begin scheduling classes until November 5.
He said the scheduling system was frustrating, but does not think ways exist to improve it.
But Robert Doolos, the University Registrar, tried by created informational slides that explain advances and plans on improving class scheduling.
Changes include the W policy, increasing the initial scheduling limit to 17 hours and implementation of on-line course wait-listing.
The wait-listing program, which was introduced in the fall of 2007, allows admittance into full classes in an orderly fashion. Thus, wait-listing is meant to be a solution to scheduling conflicts.
“For years, students were having trouble getting seats in sources, and some students with higher scheduling priorities were holding seats for friends to later pick up,” said Clayton Benton, the assistant Registrar. “In addition, scheduling was becoming a very frustrating process with students constantly checking their PAWS account and clicking refresh in hopes that a seat had become available.”
“Depending on how important the class is I would stay on the waitlist,” Farrel said if classes fill before he schedules. “If it’s an elective I would just choose another class.”
Scheduling courses as soon as the student is allowed is the best way to avoid wait-listing a course, Benton said.
Ashley Short, an education freshman, doesn’t know when she is permitted to begin scheduling.
“I’m just worried about the times [of classes] because I live kind of far out,” she said.
Benton said all students should maintain relationships with counselors and advisors in their college.
“They are the best resource and can provide valuable assistance to students,” he said.
Farrel plans on meeting with his advisor for the first time next week.
The scheduling handbook, which can be found on the Office of the University Registrar website, lists majors that require advising sessions as well as course scheduling priority.
To find the scheduling handbook visit here. Then click the yellow booklet labeled spring 2010.
