After other options were considered during discussions about changing registration for new students, the University’s final decision to move it to after orientation should be applauded.
Any student can attest that course registration is a stressful process.
With the old system, freshmen were given only 30 minutes to race their new classmates for the best classes while navigating the ConnectCarolina system for the first time.
Next summer, freshmen will still be asked to complete an online module and receive the same one-on-one academic advising at orientation.
But this time, their registration window will be open for several days and accessible from their homes.
This change will make the process less stressful while providing students with the same amount of support and preparation.
In addition, it will be helpful for freshmen to have time after orientation to process everything they learned and make more informed decisions when registering.
The only downside of this new system will be the lack of in-person advising available for students as they register.
However, implementing an online chat system can help make sure students get the support they need.
In fact, an online system could potentially provide more assistance by offering more available advisers at one time.
Also if a student is unable to register easily from his or her home, accommodations should be made for that person to register on campus during orientation.
UNC should ensure students are not at a disadvantage if they don’t have computer access.
