Registration can be a stressful time for everyone. Professors schedule numerous meetings with their advisees, students scramble to find classes that meet both their academic needs and personal interests, and the Registrar must manage complaints from both sides.
Rollins students frequently express the challenges they face each semester during registration. But what some may not realize is the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make the process as smooth as possible.
One of the concerns students have expressed in the past is the limitation of registering for only 18 credits during the first two weeks of registration. Stephanie Henning, who coordinates and leads the Office of the Registrar, said, “Retention of students is a high priority at Rollins, and what we have learned over the years is that students who cannot get into classes are transferring out at a higher rate than other students.”
Henning further elaborated: “By limiting students to 18 credits, we saw a 30% decrease in the number of students (50-60) who were under-registered or not registered at all,” she said. While some upperclassmen may feel that they have earned the right to register for classes first, this does not mean freshmen should be left with limited options. Although it can be frustrating for underclassmen not to have a full schedule at first, the 18-credit limit provides them with the opportunity to secure a few courses, perhaps even ones that pique their interest.
Another way the Registrar aims to ensure fairness is by reducing course capacities to reserve seats for first- and second-year students. “This is not a new process and is necessary, so all students have the opportunity to get a full schedule (four courses) during the first round of registration,” she said. Seniors should not be taking rFLA 100/200 because they just need credits. These are high-demand courses, and students who actually need the seats should get first dibs.”
It’s easy to become consumed by the registration process and the need to check all the boxes on DegreeWorks, but Henning says it’s important to remember that the process is challenging for the Registrar as well. “I have to balance the priorities of leadership (retention) with students who desire to seek as many credentials as possible (for the money they pay) and students who are just trying to get to the finish line with 140 credits, general education requirements, and ONE major,” Henning said.
Students should be mindful of their peers, as the registrar is working to make the registration process fair and equitable for everyone. The registrar understands that this can be a stressful time for students and is always open to feedback. “I am always willing to work with students face-to-face and one-on-one,” Henning said. “I will always advocate for students who are trying to graduate on time.”
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