Open registration for classes begins Nov. 16 for Eastern Michigan University’s students, beginning at 1 p.m., students can enroll in their classes for the upcoming winter semester.
In addition to registration on Nov. 16, EMU’s University Advising and Career Development Center (UACD) will host their campus-wide event, Registration Blitz. All EMU students are welcome to attend. The event will be located in the university's Student Center Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Snacks and games will be provided.
“Students will meet with an advisor for about 15 minutes or so to get their course recommendations,” Kristian Burns, an academic advisor at EMU said. “From there we can also set up a follow-up appointment for 45 minutes. We are putting a lot in place this semester so that students are able to get course recommendations and get registered.”
While students explore what classes work best for them, the U.Achieve Degree Audit tool can visually demonstrate what specific courses a student needs for a particular major and the number of credits needed going forward. Videos are also available on EMU’s YouTube channel that discuss how to utilize this tool.
Prior to registration, each student must complete the Title IX training and its Voices for Change: Consent module. This Title IX module is EMU's mandatory sexual and relationship consent training online.
If a student fails to complete this training, a hold will be put on their account. This will prevent the student from registering. The Title IX office may take up to 24 to 48 business hours to process a student’s completion of the course and withdraw the hold status from their account.
In addition, all first-year students are required to complete an appointment with an academic advisor. If a first-year student has not met that requirement, it will result in a registration hold on the student’s account. A financial balance of over $500 could also result in a registration hold.
Burns shared her biggest tips for class registration as an academic advisor.
“Get advising early, schedule your appointments early,” Burns said. “Another big thing is to learn how to use your U.Achieve Audit. Also, learning how to understand and read their program’s catalogs. Understand prerequisite requirements and match those requirements with what they should take.”
Aside from the logistics of class registration, choosing the right course could also help a student widen their experiences for post-graduation.
April Calkovsky, a career coach at the UACDC office, emphasized how registration represents an opportunity for students to gain new experiences and perspectives through their chosen courses. Especially general education courses.
“You can use the general education courses to identify and explore areas of interest,” Calkovsky said. “It really can be a way to help you to narrow down your focus areas so that you can plan your academic career here in a way that is helpful to you after you graduate.”
If a student finds themselves intrigued by a class and wants to obtain additional experience and knowledge in the area, there are various avenues available to students hoping to pursue the interest.
“It could be an internship or volunteering,” Calkovsky said. “Or what we call a career conversation with someone who does that [a career in the student’s area of interest]. LinkedIn is the easiest way to find those people.”
Regardless of the stage a student is in their education journey, there are several resources available to seek insight on course recommendations and availability. Whether it is a drop-in visit at the Registration Blitz or a scheduled advising appointment with an academic advisor.
For more information on EMU’s course registration times, dates and requirements, visit their website.
