ResNavs share tips and techniques for getting over the hassles of registration. Have other questions? Talk to us.
Kathryn | Using Atlas, Rate My Professor, and Advising
To reduce the stress of figuring out what classes are recommended for me, I maintain regular contact with my Newnan Advisor throughout the semester. I make a point of checking in halfway through the semester to evaluate my performance so far, as well as including that into consideration for the next courses I should be taking. Additionally, I reach out to my department advisor at least once a semester to ensure I am on track for my pursued degree.
After receiving recommendations from advisors and conducting my own research of my chosen degree, I review the courses and related professors on Altas or sometimes Rate My Professors to obtain a sense of what I will be getting myself into. I prefer Atlas because it includes a “schedule builder” feature and serves as an extension of the LSA Course Guide, offering U-M course listings along with additional class and professor reviews.
Once I have gathered all the necessary information, I create potential mock schedules and plan backup options in case some classes get waitlisted. I also put the important dates of registration for the upcoming semester in my U-M Google calendar so I don’t miss anything.
Nicole | Meet with a Program Advisor
Course registration is stressful. Finding the right classes based on schedule, that align with your interests, and meet your requirements is difficult. One “tool” I have always used before enrolling in classes is my advisor. Visiting your program/major/minor advisor is an important way to ensure you enroll in classes that work for you and keep you on track for graduation. Advisors are always eager to speak with you on a variety of issues, and look forward to getting to see their students during this busy time. To find your assigned advisor, you can navigate to Wolverine Access -> Student Business -> Student Center and find your advisor under the proper heading.
In the School of Social Work (SSW), specifically, utilizing the Course Planning Worksheet and Pathway Course List are two great resources to review with your advisor before enrolling. Additionally, contacting the Field Office with any questions about enrolling in classes while being in your field placement is also important to make sure you find classes that fit within your schedule. A quick tip for enrollment in SSW is to submit a Course Enrollment Petition for classes that are closed. If a class you need is full, you can successfully petition for your spot in the class through the following link.
Pearl | Using the Course Guide & Atlas
Class registration can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of planning, it gets easier. Start by meeting with your academic advisor to confirm you’re on track to graduate. Use any provided course outlines and create a personal semester-by-semester spreadsheet to stay organized and avoid surprises.
When selecting classes, the LSA Course Guide and Atlas are your best resources. The Course Guide offers details like credits, descriptions, and professors, while Atlas provides student-reported stats on workload and professor quality. Atlas’s scheduling tool is especially helpful, letting you compare multiple schedules to find the best fit.
Try to enroll in at least 12 major-related credits each semester, leaving room for minors or electives. If you’re in a non-LSA program, check your college’s website for specific course offerings or ask your advisor for recommendations. Reviewing stats on Atlas can also help you avoid overly demanding courses or mismatched expectations.
With these strategies, you can reduce the stress of registration and focus on building a schedule that works for you.
Pranavi | Having a Back-up and Checking Your Wolverine Access Status Information
Registration at the University of Michigan can often feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With a little preparation, you can streamline the process and ensure that you get the classes you want.
First, it’s essential to explore the course offerings early. The university provides a comprehensive online course catalog, allowing you to browse available classes well before registration opens. Take the time to create a wishlist that includes both your desired courses and those that fulfill your degree requirements. This proactive approach will save you from last-minute scrambling and help you stay organized. Get familiar with Atlas. This website is a lifesaver! It lets you explore course offerings, check out professor ratings, and see how full classes are. You can even filter by requirements, which is super handy when you’re trying to knock out those distribution credits.
Knowing your registration date is crucial. Be sure to mark it on your calendar and set reminders so that you don’t miss out. Registering early can significantly increase your chances of securing a spot in popular classes.
Having a backup plan is also wise. Since some classes fill up quickly, it’s helpful to have alternative options ready. Consider varying your schedule to keep it flexible, which can make a big difference if your first choice isn’t available.
Lastly, don’t forget to check your financial aid status and resolve any holds on your account. Accessing Wolverine Access ahead of time will ensure you can register smoothly.
Here’s to a smooth registration and an amazing semester ahead. Reach out to Resource Navigators if you need any advice. Go Blue!
Rocco | Check the Checklist
Each semester, as I study for midterms and worry about clubs, jobs, and other priorities, I remember that I also have another thing on my plate: scheduling for next semester. This semester, as the scheduling date approaches, it is common to feel some stress and frustration. Will there be open seats in this course I need? Am I going to have enough credits to graduate when I want to? Questions like these are common throughout the student body this time of year. Personally, I have found it helpful to approach scheduling a few weeks in advance. Beginning to think about the classes that you want and need to take, what distributions they fill, and whether they contribute to your major or minor are essential.
One thing that I recommend is to sign in to receive an audit checklist. In LSA, the MyAdvising Unofficial Audit Checklist tracks your progress in your college career and what else you may need to do. Audit checklists are handy but aren’t the only thing you should rely on. In any of U-M’s schools or colleges, it is essential to meet with an advisor every once in a while so that they can also explain to you what you may need, as requirements frequently update and changes are made to curricula.
Ronen | Advising, Audits, and Backpacking an Extra Class
Registering for classes at the University of Michigan can be a very stressful process no matter what your major, minor or distribution requirements might be. When everyone seems to be trying to get into all of the classes you want, your courses are all at the same time or you are having trouble fulfilling your requirements; it can be frustrating. Going into my 8th semester at Michigan, I have picked up some tips and tricks to make it a smooth process.
- Meet with an advisor before every registration deadline. Meeting with an advisor at least once a semester is a great way to stay on track. Advisors will help you navigate your interests, find good tracks and programs, and help you plan for your upcoming semester.
- Get an audit. You can request a course audit either through Wolverine Access or from an advisor directly. This step is crucial for understanding what requirements you have already fulfilled and need to fulfill for your major, minor and school distribution requirements. An audit is a great guide for registering as it lays out a blueprint for what future courses you may need.
- Register for an extra class (if possible). This tip is one of my favorites and has become a standard practice for me each semester. For example, you are planning on taking 4 classes which fulfill 14 credits. Let's say 8 credits fall under your major requirements and you are taking a 3 credit SS distribution and a 3 credit NS distribution. If you are unsure about your distribution courses, you can register for an additional 3 credit course (staying within the 18 credit semester limit). When the semester comes around, you can try out all of the courses and now you have a choice of a course to drop (within the add/drop window). This will increase the likelihood that you enjoy your course schedule and it works at a nice time.
While it is stressful to register for courses and you may not always get every course you want or need, these steps will help you put yourself in the best position to succeed each semester and get one step closer to graduation.