As the spring semester comes to a close, that means it’s almost time for a well-deserved break. However, before you head off into vacation mode, it’s also that time where you begin to think about the type of classes you want to register for the upcoming school year. On Thursday Apr. 8, early/priority registration will begin for the 2022-2023 school year. Classes have become available in Student Planning and the Monmouth community is rushing to prepare.
With so many options and things to consider, how do we make the most of our advising meetings? Well, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare when your time comes to choosing classes and meeting with advisors. This way you can have a relaxing summer break with little worries for the year ahead.
To begin, there is some basic information that as a student you will need to have access to. For example, it would be beneficial to take a look at your audit on Webadvisor, which will allow you to check any requirements that you still need to fulfill for your major. Also take a look at the classes for each semester as they become available so you can cross-reference and plan accordingly. You can check those requirements through your audit. Do you have to do an internship during your time at Monmouth? What classes have you already satisfied with? You can review your curriculum and sequence chart which can be found on the Monmouth website.
It’s also very important to check your Monmouth email to find out your specific registration time. Everyone registers during the same week, but each student has a specific 30-minute time frame where they can make sure they get all the classes they want registered for.
Danielle Schrama, Director of Academic Advising, recommended, “Register for fall and spring courses on [your] assigned date/time during priority registration, and handle any administrative blocks on [your] account so [you] can register on time.”
You should also have or be planning to meet with your advisor. The name of your advisor can be found in the Student Planning tab, and once you verify that, send them an email and set up a one-on-one meeting.
Scheduling an advising session is an important part of this process. When going into your advising session you can expect to discuss a few things. For instance, you will be determining which courses you will be registering for as well as going through credit evaluation, major and minor requirements, and general education requirements.
During your advising session it is essential to ask questions. If you have concerns about when you plan to graduate, talk to your advisor about creating a graduation plan. Your advisor can also help tailor your course load to your career goals, be sure to discuss this with them so they can help you to the best of their ability. Make sure that your schedule works for you and not the other way around.
It might be helpful to have some other tools at your disposal. As classes become available to view on Web Advisor for the Fall and Spring semesters, use a calendar to label when each class takes place so you don’t end up scheduling anything too close together and are able to make time for yourself and any other responsibilities you hold. Make sure you have enough time in between classes to take care of yourself; don’t book yourself for a whole day just to get ahead. You’ll need to have some time during the day to eat lunch, relax for a bit, and even fit in a bit of studying for the classes you are taking. While it might seem tempting to register for a large class load to get ahead, it most likely will be easier said than done. Consider your own abilities and mental health when fitting classes into your schedule.
Mia Lewis, a junior health studies student suggested writing all the courses you need to graduate and make plan for each semester. Lewis continued, “It not only aids in staying organized but ensures one stays on track for graduation.
When choosing classes, you should be looking to satisfy your major and general education requirements. While it’s always best to check with your advisor and even your professors, here are some prevalent tips when it comes down to choosing classes. Make sure to start with any classes you might need for your major. These tend to be harder to find, as they vary from fall to spring. Consider any credits you might be earning from any classes you may have registered for during summer sessions or even transfer credits if you transferred into Monmouth or took classes at another institution. If you are still looking to fill any general education requirements, try to find where these fit best in your schedule and what works for you. Monmouth offers many unique classes to choose from that you might not get to take at any other university, so take advantage of it!
Harry Termyna, Career Coach and Adjunct professor said students should be taking courses that provide them with transferable skills for future internships and jobs such as technology application and communication. Termyna added, “Having knowledge across various disciplines can better prepare future leaders to address phenomena and conflicts through a diversity of viewpoints.”
Overall, there are many ways to get the most out of your advising meeting and choosing classes for the semester. For many, this might be their last year at Monmouth. While classes are essential to earning your degree, it’s also key to prioritize campus life and enjoy your time at Monmouth while you are here. Make sure not to spread yourself too thin while still getting all your requirements in. It can be an exciting time to register for your upcoming classes, and remember to use the tools at hand to make a schedule that works best for you.
