The Class I Want is Full! What do I do?

A lot of registration changes happen in the first week or so of school, sometimes even right up until the add/drop deadline.

Graduating Soon and Can't Get into the Course?

If you're on track to graduate in May of this academic year, and one or more of your required courses is full, you have a right to a seat in the course. Learn more.

If you're trying to get into a course that is full, start with these five steps:

1. Register online for the course waitlist (if there is one)

You can add yourself to as many waitlists as you want. You will only be able to register in the course if you receive an invitation to register once a seat opens. Students may also be moved off waitlists whenever space becomes available. If you're on a waitlist, be sure to check your registration regularly until the add/drop deadline to keep up to date on your registration status in that course. 

2. If there isn’t a waitlist, check the departmental website

Check out the departmental website for the course you're interested in taking in case there is another process for indicating your desire to take the course. For example, there may be a waitlist in the department or a time when students are invited to attend a registration session. Departments administer the waitlists for their own courses and Science Advising does not have any further details beyond what is listed in Workday. Refer to the list of Science departments at the bottom of this page.

3. Keep checking the course in Workday

If there is no waitlist, spots may still open up if students drop the course. If a seat does become available, then you can register for it.

4. Check your course on Workday again after the first class

When the term starts, seats may become available if students decide to drop it after the first few classes of the term.

5. Registering after term has started

If you register for a course after the start of term, it is your responsibility to catch up on all missed classes and assignments. You are expected to meet course deadlines and fulfill any assignments on time regardless of when you join the course. It can be very challenging to catch up if you join a class late. Take this into consideration when deciding whether to remain on a waitlist or to select a different course that has available space.

Department Websites

Biology | Biochemistry | Cellular and Physiological Sciences | Chemistry | Cognitive Systems | Computer Science | Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences | Mathematics | Microbiology and Immunology | Neuroscience | Physics and Astronomy | Statistics