Monday, November 5, 2012

Some thoughts on waitlists...

There are many questions about how wait listing works for a class, so here are a few thoughts:

Waitlisting allows departments to see which classes are in demand, and hopefully, adjust the schedule by either adding seats to current sections or adding sections.  If you need a class and it's full, add yourself to the waitlist!  Keep in mind that this doesn't guarantee you a seat, but it's a good idea, especially in Phase I.

Here's a good rule of thumb to use:  If there is even 1 person waitlisted but there are 20 open seats...  you cannot take one of those open seats.  You must wait in line.  Classes with waitlisting cannot be "stalked".  Do NOT jump off the waitlist and try to grab a seat if you see one open--you won't get it and you will lose your place in line.

Think of it this way.  You go into a restaurant and see 10 open tables. You ask the hostess for a table but are told you cannot have one because there is a waitlist. You must go on the list behind the others already waiting, as they will get their chance for the table first.  At the restaurant this is typically about 5-10 minutes.  If they do not answer, then the next person on the list goes.  Here at Tech you get 12 hours to answer for your "table". (class)

You cannot waitlist for multiple sections of a class, so pick the one that would work with your schedule if a seat opens.  Remember: if you get the email which says a section has a seat, you have 12 hours in which to register.  To register, go to the add/drop worksheet and enter the CRN # of the class and click Submit Changes.  (The C will not go away, so you can't click the box and register...)



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