Because registration is integrated with other offices which use student information, the new system’s inauguration is an ideal opportunity to change current registration practices. In a survey of 600-700 students, many used the word "stressful" to describe their registration experience.

A five-person committee, composed of Cisar, Professor of Norwegian and former Registrar Margaret Hayford-O’'Leary, Professor of Mathematics Matt Richey, SGA Sen. Paul Olson ’'07 and Rebecca Kraft ’'05 began meeting this October to discuss elements which would be important to include in the system for students, faculty and the registrar’'s office.

According to Richey, "the key components of the system which we would like to include are an online component, an indicator of student preference for courses and a way to maintain the contact between students and their advisors." The system which the committee is currently looking at would allow all these options.

Departments would have a chance to see what classes are filling up quickly and then decide which sections of classes to add or adjust. After this, students would receive a schedule. Those who do not have all the classes they need could talk to their advisor and use the program to assess their options. Students could also meet with faculty from the department in which he or she needs the class.

Olson has taken on the responsibility of getting feedback on the proposed system, and has discovered that "a majority of students seem to favor some sort of online system and feel that it is overdue, but there are still some that like the very personal, hands-on system we have now."

The first changes will occur this January and will only be evident to registrar’'s office employees, as they change the way they enter data.

Students and faculty will notice changes starting this June. However, registration changes for the 2006-2007 school year would not occur until the above steps have been implemented successfully.

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