FAQ - Registration & Scheduling
1. How do I choose my classes? / How does course registration work?
Classes should be chosen in conjunction with working with your academic advisor to meet General Education, Flag, Major and Minor requirements. Specific registration information can be found on the Registrar’s website.
2. How many courses should I take each semester? / Why am I only taking four courses per semester?
The normal course load of students at Illinois Wesleyan is four course units per semester. Exceptions and guidelines can be found in the IWU Catalog.
3. What are Gateway Colloquium classes?
The Gateway Colloquium, a course designed to develop writing and critical thinking skills, is required of all students, and must be completed in the freshman year.
4. What is a prerequisite course?
Enrollment in some courses is restricted to students who have taken other courses, who have attained a particular class standing, who have obtained the consent of the instructor, or who are pursuing a particular major or majors.
5. How do I do a course overload?
Students who have achieved sophomore standing and who have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above may apply at the Registrar’s Office, Holmes 110 for permission to enroll in one course unit in addition to the normal load. This overload policy applies to courses taken elsewhere for transfer as well as courses taken at Illinois Wesleyan. Overloads are not possible during May Term.
6. How many course units are considered full-time status?
To be considered a full-time student, you must be enrolled for at least three course units during the fall or spring semester. If you are a MAP Grant recipient, you must be enrolled in four course units.
7. Should I take a course during the summer?
This should be discussed with your academic advisor to see if the course fits the requirements of your academic program as well as your interests.
8. How do I find out what classes are available?
The Program of Classes lists all classes offered for a specific term, their instructors, and the times of class meetings. The University Catalog contains a description of most of those classes, although some new or special classes may be described in the Program of Classes. Students should consult both of these publications as well as their academic advisors to determine an appropriate program of study. Students will be notified by e-mail as to when the Program of Classes will be available; this will mark the start of the registration process for the following term.
9. When can I register for classes?
Entering students register for fall classes during the Fall Festival, which occurs in the week before classes begin. Students will meet at that time with an academic advisor to plan a program of study for the fall semester. Continuing students will ordinarily register during November for the spring semester and May term, and during March/April for the following fall term.
10. How do I make changes to my schedule?
A student wishing to change his or her program of study may do so on the University’s web-based registration system, however, all students are expected to consult their advisor prior to doing so. The student must record these changes on the University’s web-based registration system within the above specified times or the student will be considered to be enrolled in the original course selections and grades will be awarded only for those courses.
11. What do I do if a class is closed?
Wait Lists are maintained in the Registrar’s Office. This cannot be done online. If you wish to be placed on the wait list for a fall or spring term course, please fill out the appropriate form at the Registrar’s Office.
12. What is my registration PIN?
Advisors will provide students with a unique registration PIN each term. The Registrar is not permitted to provide this PIN to students unless a student is able to demonstrate that he/she has seen his/her academic advisor. After obtaining this PIN the student must select courses on the University’s web-based registration system.
13. What are general education requirements?
All students must complete a program of general education, as described in the "General Education'' chapter of the University Catalog. Students should note the variations in the general education requirements for the professional schools, and for the education certification program within the College of Liberal Arts. The general education programs specifically required for the BA/BS, BFA, BM, BME, or BSN are given at the beginning of the Catalog chapter describing each degree.
14. How many units do I need to graduate?
Completion of a minimum number of course units as specified by the degree:
- Bachelor of Arts 32 units
- Bachelor of Science 32 units
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing 32 units
- Bachelor of Fine Arts 32 units
- Bachelor of Music 35 units
- Bachelor of Music Education 37 units
15. What are upper division courses?
All students must complete a total of at least eleven course units in eleven upper-division courses (numbered 300 or higher). At least four upper-division courses and units must be completed in the major department or field.
16. When is the last day I can add a course?
Courses and Credit/No Credit designations may be added (enrolled in) (a) during the first five class days of the fall and spring semesters; (b) during the first day of the May Term. Seven week courses may be ADDED during the first 5 class days after that class has begun.
17. When is the deadline for dropping a course?
Courses and Credit/No Credit designations may be dropped (disenrolled in) (a) during the first eight weeks of the fall and spring semesters; (b) during the first 3 days of the May term.
18. What if I am past the deadline for adding or dropping a course?
In exceptional circumstances a petition to add or drop a class after the deadline may be considered. These circumstances are generally limited to the following: (a) verified medical excuses, (b) substantiated serious personal or family problems, (c) advisor error on prerequisites, placement, or judgment. After the deadline, a special fee may be assessed in connection with the granting of a petition to add or drop a course or Credit/No Credit designation.
19. Do I get a refund if I drop a course?
No adjustment is made if a student changes from full-time to part-time status after the start of classes in the fall or spring semesters. Refunds are only granted for complete University Withdrawals that take place before the start date of the semester. Students should consult with the Financial Aid Office for additional information regarding refunds.