Enroll early to get choice scheduling
By Matt Bishop, Editor
Students are being advised to enroll now to get their pick of classes in the fall.
Although the deadline to enroll is Aug. 18, “Students should enroll now because classes fill up quickly, and so students get choice of course and professor,” said Advising and Career Services peer adviser Kristen Hoaglin.
Classes typically fill during the middle of July, she said, but this summer many classes are already full.
Basic courses such as macroeconomics, history and English composition fill most quickly, Hoaglin said.
OCCC student Jarod Wynne found out just how quickly after he had to rearrange his entire class schedule because an afternoon economics class was full.
“I didn’t think classes would be full yet,” Wynne said. “It has been a hassle since.”
Also, Hoaglin said, students who only have a few classes remaining to graduate may find it harder to schedule classes since their list of courses remaining is short.
Students who don’t get a desired class may request an override form from the enrollment area.
From there, the student will need to get permission from the professor of the course to enroll or have the division dean sign the override form.
The form is then taken back to enrollment, and the student is allowed to enroll in the class.
Hoaglin said professors are sometimes more lenient with students who are graduating soon.
Associate Registrar Alan Stringfellow said some students may not take the time to get overrides, although the process is typically simple.
If an override is not granted, he said, students should then keep checking the availability for the class.
“Some students decide to drop courses several days before the course starts.”
Students can check course availability on MineOnline at www.occc.edu/mineonline.
Business sophomore Kristen Davis said she likes using MineOnline because class availability can be checked before enrolling for the class.
“It is much more convenient and doesn’t take up as much time,” Davis said.
While returning students can enroll online, Hoaglin said, new students will need to enroll in person, as well as speak with an academic adviser.
Students who enroll in person also will need to show a valid student ID or a valid photo ID.
Editor Matt Bishop can be reached at editor@occc.edu.
