Scheduling

Now is the time! Registering for classes has started, and people seem to be running around like crazy right now just to get their schedules perfect for next semester. My advise to all of you that have not registered yet is to make sure you know what classes you should/plan to take next semester. Take a look at the university Undergraduate Bulletin/Catalog for your specific year you are referring to. For example I am using the 2006-2007 Bulletin, therefore I am always looking in that book to see what classes I should be taking next for my major, minor, and general education courses. I look at all the classes I have completed thus far through my academic stay at Minnesota State University. I keep track of these classes because it helps me know which prerequisites I have satisfied and which ones I have yet to complete.
I set up a list of classes in which I'd like to register for by making a list of these on a sheet a scratch paper. I list the name of the course, course ID and the amount of credits per course. By having the course, I know which one I'm looking at taking. By having the course ID, I am able to use the quick register feature during registeration to make my time registering much easier. I find it very helpful to have this six digit number handy just in case there is a problem when I register. If I have a problem, I just refer to my Advising Center or Department office with that specific number, and they will be able to help me easier and faster. I also list the amount of credits for every course I had written because this action helps me know how many credits I will be taking overall in my next academic semester. One last thing I do for listing my future courses is have an extra or a "substitute" course listed at the end just in case I cannot get into one of my previous courses I have listed.
This method may not be the ideal way for everyone to register, but I encourage you to consider it and possibly give it a try. This method has worked for me in the past, and I have never had a problem registering. I'd also like to note that if you cannot successfully register for all the classes you wanted to take, do not stress. Someone is always willing to help you! If you are patient with your Advsing Center or Department, they will happily be eager to help you with anything that comes their way!

Struggling with a class?

Now is the time of year where life starts to get hectic for students. Many assignments, projects, and registration are all happening at the same time. Sometimes, students don't realize how they are doing in a class. My advice to people who think they may be struggling with a class is to try and talk to the professor of that class and go over grades and assignments. This meeting will then give you a better understanding of where you are at for a grade. If you are failing and feel you will not do any better the rest of the semester, there is the possibility of dropping a class yet this fall. November 14th is the last day to withdraw from a single class. If you do proceed to drop a class that you are enrolled in for fall semester, a "W" will appear on your transcript signifying your withdrawal from the course. For most of us, this status is not a problem, but for some people struggling to make a 67% completion rate or a 2.0 GPA, I encourage you to meet with your faculty advisor and your professor soon to make sure you're still on the right track.