Hi first-years,
Below is a list of resources, important dates and deadlines, and more to help you through Spring 2024 Registration, which will occur for first-years on Thursday, November 16th. We have also included reminders about other upcoming dates -- Thanksgiving Break, reading week, winter break and the spring shopping period. Please enjoy the vaguely-relevant memes sprinkled throughout in an attempt to make this post that is mostly just dates more exciting. As always, contact first-year@barnard with any questions!
Coming up:
The deadline to withdraw from a Fall 2021 course is Thursday, November 16th.
The deadline to declare a Fall 2021 course P/D/F is Thursday, November 16th.
Thanksgiving Holiday: Wednesday, November 22-Friday November 24th.
Spring 2024 Registration
First-years will be able to register for Spring 2024 classes on Thursday, November 16th. Your registration time will be assigned to you in Student Planning just above your schedule, as it was during Fall registration.
Registration times are determined by class year. Seniors register on the first day, juniors on the second, sophomores on the third, and first-years on the fourth. That means that all first years will have a registration appointment on Thursday, November 16th. I know it may be frustrating that first-years register last, but remember that older students have declared majors, concrete study abroad plans, and sooner graduation dates. They have slightly less flexibility in their schedules because of their academic plans. Their earlier registration times help them stay on track to graduate.
But don’t worry! You’ll still be able to get into the classes you want and need. Professors work hard to take as many students into their course as they can, but you do need to be a bit realistic. That 3000 level political science seminar with a cap of 15 students looks really cool, but it will probably be filled with junior and senior poli sci majors who need it to graduate. The best thing you can do is plan, have multiple back-up courses, and remain flexible. Soon enough, you’ll be one of the older students with priority registration times!
How do I look for classes?
The course catalogs! The Columbia University Directory of Classes has all of the courses offered by the university. You can look at the complete course listings for all the departments. Pretty much all of the courses are up now -- there may be a few added in the coming week, but it’s basically the final list.
What classes do I register for on the 16th?
This is probably the biggest difference between the registration you did over the summer and the registration happening the week of the 16th. You will be registering for all of the courses you will take in the spring the week of the 16th. It won’t be limited the way it was over the summer; all courses are open for registration.
Remember that if you took First-Year Writing this fall, you need to take First-Year Seminar in the spring. If you took Seminar in the fall, you’ll take Writing in the spring. You’ll also need to take a physical education or dance course in the spring if you’re not in one in the fall. If you want to study abroad in the spring of junior year and haven’t started your language program, I’d recommend thinking about starting that in the spring, too. Beyond that, it’s up to you!
How many classes should I register for?
As always, you’ll need to be registered for at least 12 credits. It’s recommended you take around 15 credits each semester to stay on track for graduation. To take more than 19 credits in a semester, you’ll need special permission from your advisor. Fifteen (15) credits is usually about 4-5 classes depending on what you’re taking. I recommend planning about 8-10 courses you're excited about because chances are not every course you have planned will be open by the time you register. It’s always good to have back-up plans. There will be a shopping period in the spring just like in the fall so you’ll be able to test out classes, add and drop courses, and perfect your schedule by the drop deadline.
How do I choose which classes to register for?
Entirely up to you! I recommend reaching out to meet with your pre-major adviser for their insight. Talk to people in your prospective major(s) about what classes they liked. Sign up for a class because you’ve never learned anything like it and the subject sounds interesting. The world (directory) is your oyster!
Entirely up to you! I recommend reaching out to meet with your pre-major adviser for their insight. Talk to people in your prospective major(s) about what classes they liked. Sign up for a class because you’ve never learned anything like it and the subject sounds interesting. The world (directory) is your oyster!
What if I still feel like I have no clue what I’m doing with courses and with my life?
Take a deep breath and please know that I am not exaggerating when I say that literally every single person on this campus has felt like that at some point. Everyone experiences some anxiety over course registration, especially if you’re unsure about what you want to take. Reach out to your friends, your faculty advisor, your Class Dean, etc. if you need some extra support. Furman Counseling is also a great resource - you can go once, you can go over and over again, whatever feels best for you. There are many resources available, and everyone wants you to be successful. So please don't be afraid to advocate for yourself!
Take a deep breath and please know that I am not exaggerating when I say that literally every single person on this campus has felt like that at some point. Everyone experiences some anxiety over course registration, especially if you’re unsure about what you want to take. Reach out to your friends, your faculty advisor, your Class Dean, etc. if you need some extra support. Furman Counseling is also a great resource - you can go once, you can go over and over again, whatever feels best for you. There are many resources available, and everyone wants you to be successful. So please don't be afraid to advocate for yourself!
Wait -- how do I register again?
It's been a minute since fall registration! If you need a refresher on how to register on Student Planning, please revisit Volume 3 of the First-Year Guide, and let us know if you have any further questions.
Summary/Reminders about Spring Registration:
- You can register for all of your classes (not just FYE).
- You must register for whichever FYE course you have not yet taken; if you are in First-Year Writing in the Fall, for example, you must take First-Year Seminar in the Spring semester.
- We highly encourage you to reach out to and meet with your pre-major adviser before registration, however, you do not need their approval on Student Planning in order to be able to register for classes.
- You must register for a minimum of 12 credits.
