By Chelsea Tirrell, Columnist
I sit at my desk, tapping my foot on the cold tile. 11:55 p.m. I hit the refresh button on the webpage. 11:57 p.m. I select the "Hofstra Online" option again, followed by "Show Details," and "Add/Drop Classes." 11:59 p.m. My hand quivers as I reach for the select key. 12:00 a.m.
I viciously type in the Course Registration Numbers, worried that I won't get the classes I need. Someone will have typed faster than me. I'll get shut out. I hit "Submit," close my eyes and keep my fingers crossed that I will be web registered for all five classes I need.
I'm in!
It's my junior year. You'd think that by now, I wouldn't get so hung-up about registering for classes. But I can't help getting nervous the night of registration, nor can I deny the satisfaction I get when I'm locked into all of the classes I want.
However, this year was the first year that registration has ever gone so smoothly. In past years, I've struggled with class restrictions that made no sense to me, necessary classes closing out early because they only have one section, and a schedule with scattered class times because the upperclassmen had priority.
There's little more infuriating than seeing classes nearly filled and knowing you need a class with just one spot left. Try adding a hold that prevents you from doing so. What's worse is not even knowing why that hold exists and knowing that there's no one you can speak to about it at midnight. So you toss and turn all night, waiting until 9 a.m for someone, anyone, to answer your frantic email.
It's not to say that there aren't a plethora of classes to choose from when it comes to registering. However, with internships, meetings, work-study or off-campus jobs, club meetings, and so much more on student's plates, finding a schedule that fits perfectly is near impossible. It's for this reason, therefore, that schedules continue to stress students out despite their class standing.
I have to credit most professors, as many are lenient when it comes time to signing students into closed classes. As long as there isn't a line of students hoping to get into a 15-person capped class, they'll generally sign in one or two if there are dire circumstances.
At the end of the day, I can't really think of a better, more efficient way for students to register that is fair for all students. Students must make the most of what is offered and hope that it works out of the best. More than likely, it will.
