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November 15, 2005
Registration goes online, simplifies class selection process
Hamline has downsized the once quarter inch-thick registration packet to a total of about three sheets of paper. The new, smaller collection includes an internal transcript, an add/drop card, and a cover letter that addresses the changes made to the process and offers some instructions on accessing and navigating the new method. All of the remaining instruction pages, registration forms, and worksheets that were previously provided on paper are now available through the university’s website.
“Printing was a monstrous expense and it required a lot of paper,” said Registration Administrator Jason Maher. “Now we can publish it online.”
He assured those students who prefer to have their materials laid out in front of them that most, if not all, of the Internet forms have printable versions available.
According to Maher, there were three main reasons for the changes. The first, he said, went hand in hand with the campus going wirelessčit is another example of Hamline’s efforts to switch to more web-based delivery methods. Second, it is a resource conservation attempt that would reduce paper waste while still giving students the option of printing copies of whichever forms they may need. Lastly, the move to a more web-oriented process provides students with access to the most current, up-to-date information possible.
“We’re just trying to make it easier on everyone,” Maher said.
Students now have the ability to add and drop classes during the registration period through Piperline without the hassle of obtaining an advisor’s signature. The familiar in-person registration form has been eliminated from the provided materials as well, and the add/drop slip will be used for any adjustments made after the registration period. Also, any attempt to register for a class that is already full, a class for which the student doesn’t meet the prerequisites, or any other situation requiring an instructor’s signature will be taken care of using the add/drop form.
On the whole, Maher believes the adjustments have had a positive impact. “We held an informal poll and most agreed that they were up for the changes,” he said. “Students are responding pretty well.”
Posted by msveum at November 15, 2005 11:55 AM
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