The Fox Journal

Early registration is an opportunity for students to meet their academic goals at UW-Fox through the pre-selection of classes during the early registration period.

Early registration for the spring 2013 semester ran from Nov. 13 through Nov. 26. Open enrollment began Nov. 27 and will continue until the start of the spring semester.

Students who register early are more likely to be enrolled in all of their desired courses than those who wait until open enrollment.

"I registered early to make sure I got into the right classes before they filled up," sophomore Thomas Petersen said.

According to Carla Rabe, assistant campus dean for student services, students who wait until the last few weeks before the semester to register often have to settle for their second choice of courses, because their first choice classes may be full.

"The earlier students can register, the better chances they have of getting the classes they need based on their majors," Rabe said.

A student's failure to enroll in a required course may put them out of sequence for other courses and may delay their transfer to their chosen university.

Timing is important because of the large number of students who need a schedule that allows them to balance their time between work, study and home.

"My first semester I registered late and my schedule sucked. Now I always register early," sophomore Stacey Johnson said.

Gas expense is a concern for students who live at a greater distance from campus.

"If [students] want to come only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but they don't register early, they may end up coming four days a week and if they're traveling from a distance. That can be a disadvantage for a student," Rabe said.

Only certain students are eligible to register early.

"Registration is based on students that have prior credit, either as a transfer student or who were here last year, as well as students who are currently at Fox that have not fully accumulated any credits," Rabe said.

According to senior student services coordinator Ted Dufour, students who wish to register early need to follow four simple steps.

First, they must pay the $100 advance tuition deposit, either online or at the campus business office.

Second, students should log onto PRISM to view their enrollment date and find out who their advisor is.

Third, students need to meet with their advisor, preferably two weeks prior to their enrollment date. Students with more than 28 credits are not required to meet with an advisor, but it is still recommended to ensure that they are on track with necessary transferable credits.

Fourth, students must register for classes on PRISM at their appointed time.

On average, 74 percent of current students register early for the spring semester. About 56 percent register early in the fall due to the increased number of current students transferring out, and the large number of freshmen coming in who are not eligible for early registration their first semester.

Student services staff members would like to see more qualified students taking advantage of early registration in the future.

If students have any questions regarding registering for the spring term, contact a Student Services representative or stop in the office during open hours.