Author: Ankit Bandyopadhyay
Registering for classes can be challenging and stressful for students, but UAB advisors have ways to make the experience easier.
1. Use GPS to plan ahead
If you’re ever curious as to what classes you can take for the next semester, check out the Graduation Planning System (GPS). This can be found by clicking “GPS” on the right-hand side of BlazerNET.
GPS doesn’t just provide course requirements for your major, according to the adviser for undecided students, Stacy Greene.
“If you’re ever curious as to what it’s like to major in something different or see what added coursework is needed for a minor, use the ‘What-If’ function,” she said.
The What-If function is used by advisers in case of changes in major, but you can use it to discover different routes to majors or minors, too.
2. Use the Schedule Planner
Another important and easily accessible tool for students is the Schedule Planner. This program can be used to see class availability and directly put them in your registration cart for easy registration. However, you shouldn’t depend entirely on it.
“Occasionally, required classes don’t show up in Schedule Planner,” neuroscience adviser Whitney Woodard said. ”You’re going to have to register for them formally on the day of registration.”
Woodard recommends alternatively that you write the Course Reference Numbers (CRNs) of the classes you plan on taking and then sign up for them on the day of registration.
3. Get on the waitlist
Classes can fill up, but don’t lose hope. Get your name on the waitlist for full courses, then make sure to check your email frequently.
“Waitlists move at a steady stream; if you miss the email saying you’re off the waitlist, then you won’t get the spot,” Woodard said.
Alternatively, you can ask the professor teaching the class if they can open another spot. However, check with your advisor beforehand because they, in many situations, can contact the professors directly.
4. Meet with your adviser for more than just registration purposes
There are majors that require advising and those that don’t. Regardless, Woodard said to meet with your assigned adviser to discuss any concerns you have about your classes. You can locate your adviser’s name and contact information under your profile photo in BlazerNET.
“I like to recommend students to have an establishment meeting with their advisor,” Woodard said, “so we, as advisors, can understand their goals in terms of both career and majors.”
Not sure what you want to do? Schedule a meeting with Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center (VMASC), where there are a group of advisers to help you out in your journey.
“Our goal is to have you in a career that you enjoy and properly utilizes your skills,” Greene said.
A meeting with a VMASC advisor entails personal, academic and career exploration to match you with the most suitable major and career.
5. Don’t lose hope
You may not get your dream schedule or all the classes you want, but your advisers are here for you. Talk to your advisor about course alternatives or any concern dealing with registration or coursework. That’s what they’re here for: to help you out with your college and even post-college experience.
“Let’s see what you want to learn together,” Greene said.
