For many University of Memphis students, the first researchassignment for the spring semester is completed long before thefirst class begins.
Between Nov. 10 and Jan. 11, students will enroll in classes forthe spring semester. Yet even before spring schedules arefinalized, students can take steps to make the registration processmuch less stressful.
Like any important project, how smoothly the registrationprocess operates will be a direct reflection of the student's levelof preparation beforehand.
And there is plenty students can do to prepare between now andthen.
"Write up a tentative schedule to show your advisor," saidLaurie Snyder, college advisor in the College of Communications andFine Arts. "If (students) go in there (to their advisors) with somekind of idea of what to take, that will help out greatly in theregistration process."
All the material students need to develop that "tentativeschedule," like course schedules for the spring semester, arealready online, and appointments can be made with advisors to becleared for registration.
While perusing the spring class listings, students should alsomake use of their personal degree information -- includingcatalogues, degree programs and degree audits. Knowing whatrequirements each class will satisfy can save a lot of time andstress for students, Snyder said.
Students should "know basic university, college and departmentalgraduation requirements for (their) chosen major...well enough toplan (their) own progress toward degree completion," according toThe U of M's academic advising Web site.
The more a student knows the less likely a mistake in advisingwill be made, Snyder said.
"Advisors do make mistakes," she said. "Students who know theirdegree program well can help catch them."
Once students feel they have a grasp of their tentative scheduleand a good idea of where they are in their degree program, the nextstep is to visit their advisors.
While the regular spring registration period is between Nov. 10and Jan. 11, students should not wait until the end of theregistration period to meet with their advisor, Snyder said.
"If you don't like long lines, go ahead and meet with youradvisor now," she said. "Students (who start early) have lots ofwiggle room in case changes need to be made."
When meetings are scheduled early, students can detect mistakesbefore registration and can eliminate a lot of hassles associatedwith post-registration.
Snyder suggests students use advisors early and often,especially if the advisor is part of the degree program the studentis seeking.
"Faculty advisors know the ins and outs of their programs,"Snyder said. "They know exactly what classes a student can take tosatisfy certain requirements."
