Students are finishing another productive semester and are getting ready for the spring 2005. That means it’s time for students to start registering for classes. For seniors, it means a few more days until graduation. For juniors, it means a few steps closer to becoming a senior. Sophomores feel like they know the ropes. For freshmen it means that they have survived their first semester. The University offers online (Panthertracks) and on-site ways to register.
Deborah Dungey, the universtiy registrar, is urging all students to register online. “Registering online, is an easy and effective way to register in the comfort of your own dwelling,” Dungey says. Online registration has been around for four semesters at Prairie View. It is convenient for those who live off campus or for those who commute. All a student needs to do is write out a schedule and seek his/her advisor’s approval. You can retrieve the available course offerings online or you can pick up the Schedule of Classes booklet from the third floor of the MSC. Additionally, to aid them with selecting classes, students may obtain degree audits, online or get their degree plans from their advisors.
Sophomore Shalita Irving, a nursing major, registered online. “It was very easy. I did not have any plaints”. Irving said. Only soallowed to register online. Freshmen are to go to their advisors who are located in the courtyard of University College. There they can go through each step with their advisor on what classes they need to take next semester. Those freshmen who do not live on campus can call the University College Advisement Center.
“We will pilot WEB registration for second semester freshmen in the very near future,” said Dungey. Christa Molloy, project coordinator, also ecourages students to register online. “We opened registration at 7 a.m. and by 7:10 a.m. we had our first person to register. It is fast and easy,” Molloy says. “Even if you do plan to register online, you still need to keep in touch with your advisor If you don’t know who your advisor is, just go to your department and they will be more than happy to help you.” If you have any questions about online registration you can refer to the Schedule of Classes booklet on pages 12 and 13 or go online to the Panthertracks homepage.
Registering for classes can be difficult enough without trying to find teachers to take and what times are best. Make sure you do not have any holds of any kind, “or you will be blocked from registering,” says Dungey. Senior biology major Mike Coleman knows what a hold can do to you if you are trying to register. “I had a hold for housing and could not register until I got it taken care of,” says Coleman. He urges all students to make sure that all their fees are paid for and to take classes needed for graduation.
If you cannot register for classes online, going to your department is the next best thing, just make sure to go early. There you can have a one-on-one session with your advisor on what classes to take next year. “All departments have their own qualifications and requirements,” says Dungey, who urges all students to make sure that they check with their advisors even if they are doing online registration. “Also check with your department on what to bring,” Molloy says. If you are double majoring you must go to both advisors. Registration will be open until Jan. 14 for undergraduate students and Jan. 15 for graduate students.
Dungey says, ” The capability of requesting and paying for transcripts will be available online within the first quarter of the spring 2005 semester. Dungey added some final notes for fall 2004 :
* Final grades will no longer be mailed. Grades can be viewed on Panthertracks.
* Graduation candidates eligible for the tuition rebate (see PVAMU Undergraduate Catalog) may visit the Office of the Registrar prior to commencement.
Dungey and Molloy and the rest of the Registrar’s office staff wish the best of luck to all Prairie View students for next semester.