Registering for Classes in 1981 When you registered for this class, you probably

Question

Registering for Classes in 1981

When you registered for this class, you probably did so over the Web. Registration was very different in the 1980s. Let us describe how one of us registered for classes in 1981.

First, you get a copy of the printed schedule of classes. After spending quite a bit of time studying the course offerings, you finally come up with an ideal schedule. But wait . . . the chances of getting all your “first choice” classes are pretty slim (some things haven’t changed!). So you come up with some backup plans—alternative courses and sections that are less than ideal but will still work. Fortunately, you have a good registration appointment time this semester. A little before your appointment time, you head to the student union and join the very long line for registration. While you’re waiting in line, you keep an eye on the bank of television screens that are scrolling through the classes and their statuses. You’re constantly checking to see if any of your ideal classes have closed out. When this happens, you start turning to your backup plans. You finally make it into the registration room, which is just a big multipurpose room filled with computer terminals and people. As you stand in line, you keep a sharp eye on the screens displaying the most up-to-date class statuses. These screens are showing the transparencies of the entire class schedule. As you watch, a person with a transparency marker walks around, crossing off classes that have recently filled. Of course, if one of your classes closes, you turn to your backup, backup plan. You finally make your way to one of the computer terminals, which is operated by trained university staff. The staff person takes your desired schedule, enters the code numbers into the system, and in a minute or two you find out if you’re successfully registered. If one of your classes happens to close between the time you checked out the transparencies and the time your data actually got entered, you’re sent to the “problem table,” where someone works with you to finally get a schedule. Once your schedule is successfully entered, you stand in another line, waiting for your printed schedule and tuition bill. Congratulations, after a couple of hours (if you’re lucky), you’re registered!

Focusing Question:

1. Compare the scenario above to your course registration process.Name four ways the current process is better for students, and four ways the current process is better for universities.

Explanation / Answer

Our Current process is Web-based, the process is totally automated, student registers online for their classes, once they are registered it will redirect them to a class allocation portal.

It will show the total number of seats remaining in a class, you can register for your choice of class, in mean time if the course is filled, a popup will appear saying - "Class closed out, register your 2nd choice for an alternate class".

Again you will try to register for your 2nd choice and in case class is closed a popup will appear - "Class closed out, register your 3rd choice for an alternate class".

You will be given total three attempts, in case you fail to register your class, you will be enrolled in carryover list and will be given a second slot of time where you can again register for your class using the same above process.

Once your class is registered, immediately you will be redirected to payment page to fill in the tuition fees and you will get a receipt of your bill payment and class schedule, which you can print using your printer and save for future use.

4 ways the current process is better for Students:

1. Students need not go to university in person; they can book slots from their own place.

2. It saves time; you skip the waiting in long queues for your turn to come.

3. Student can see parallel on their screen, the classes which are being filled and left out courses.

4. Student can de-register from a course and try to book a new class in another slot if they are not sure about the first choice of class they have been allotted to.

4 ways the current process is better for Universities:

1. It saves time of whole registration process.

2. Less number of resources is required for counter desk, managing people, etc.

3. The whole registration process is automated and secured.

4. Student course allotment is easy as well as faculty class allotment and distribution of class schedule and updates to the students can be automated via online newsrooms and emails. Circulating payment receipts to students can be done just by emails. No manual efforts required.

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