It’s summer, and lets be honest: you figured you could enroll in that class you wanted through ancient phone system of ours the day before classes officially began. Running to one of those shady rooms full of phones you’d swear your parents used when they went to Northeastern, you managed to get onto the Telephone Registration System (TTRS) only to find out that the English class you need is full. Many start to panic, and some may even curse. What many don’t know is, you may still get in.
Your first method is to show up before the class and see if they’ll waiver you in, basically jotting your name onto their system. The people to see are either the professor teaching the class or someone like the department chair or advisor. If they agree, remember that you still have to register through TTRS.
But, alas, what if you didn’t see the professor or department people before class? Say you just got back from that fantastic vacation in Puerto Rico or Aspen (or Baghdad) and have missed registration period or worse the first day of class! Like the first scenario, you should still go see the department people. But what if no one is there to help? Try and make it to the class you want to enroll in.
The best way to approach this is to sit in an empty chair (or chances are on the floor) and wait for the class to end. Ask the professor if she can add you to the class. She may flat out refuse. Be sure to emphasize how badly you want this class (being polite and using big sad puppy dog eyes helps.) Many times, the professor will write you in. Again, be sure to register on the TTRS!
Every semester in virtually every class, there are students who decide to drop. Often, the professor teaching that class will tell you if anyone drops, you are in. But be careful, as there may be others ahead of you on the professor’s list.
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