In order to provide a deep and broad selection of course subject matter for 56 majors across nearly 40 departments and programs, each semester the University offers more than 600 stand-alone courses that must be scheduled within a finite number of time slots. The course registration process also accounts for priority setting according to class year, major, and minor so that students can complete their academic requirements, among other factors.
Many courses are taught by only one professor who has designed their class to capitalize on their particular scholarly expertise. That customization, and the deep level of individual attention that professors can provide their students, is thanks in large part to the small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio that Colgate is known for.
Although we know — and expect — that students will be strongly interested in particular courses, they can’t all register at the same time. Someone gets to go first, someone else has to go last — and everyone else registers somewhere in the middle. And, with maximum capacities, priority sometimes has to go to students with specific curricular requirements or restrictions.
Given these many factors, as much as every student hopes to get their first choices, we encourage students to not set their hearts on one specific set of courses for a semester. Rather, it is important for them to have in mind a selection of courses that will fit their academic plan and requirements.
Students frequently report that the serendipity of pivoting during the process and stumbling across a course that they hadn’t previously considered has led to extremely fulfilling experiences and exciting new academic interests.
Things do evolve from the initial course registration process into the start of the academic semester. Waitlists are common and, occasionally, adjustments such as adding sections or increasing course enrollments are made based on demand for particular courses. The Drop/Add period is the time when students make adjustments to their course schedules at the beginning of the semester.
Course registration can be stressful for some students, yet every year, they enroll in at least four courses that help them progress toward their Colgate degree. To the extent possible or necessary, encourage your student to consult with their academic adviser and, if needed, department chair or program director, to help them find a successful path through their major, and reassure them that things will work out.