The computerized operator of NEIU’s touchtone registration system, though intended to be a welcoming female voice, can quickly seem bitter at the sound of “her” most dreadful utterance: “I’m sorry, but this course will not be added to your schedule,” is the feared response heard by students attempting to register for full classes. These words seem to resonate most prominently in the biology department, where students often struggle to find a seat in courses required for their major. Though students point to a lack of course sections, the problem is in fact more complex, involving issues of funding, faculty, and student trends.
Biology is one of the most popular courses of study at NEIU, totaling approximately 500 majors. It also draws students from other disciplines seeking to fulfill the requirements of most professional schools. This creates an inevitable influx of students into biology courses of all levels. Magnifying the problem is the high withdrawal rate of these students. Dropping and later reregistering for courses create a backlog that further inhibits the flow of the curriculum, as students must then occupy a seat multiple times. Data compiled by the department shows that 17% of submitted grades are Ws, for “withdrawal.”
According to Dr. Kasmer, the department chair of biology, reducing the number of withdrawals would have a significant impact on relieving the problem. He points to the use of online registration, which begins this summer, as a way to help curb course withdrawals. The new system is designed to better enforce prerequisites, which will prevent students from taking classes that require previously gained knowledge for success.
An insufficient number of course sections is an aspect that Dr. Kasmer also acknowledged. Recent unexpected retirements of tenured faculty have lowered the number of teachers in the biology department and thus the possible number of course sections. Although replacing them is a priority, Dr. Kasmer believes that hastily filling their positions is less beneficial to students than seeking out committed and dedicated staff, even if it takes more time. Tenured staff should increase by next fall, he said, which will help alleviate this issue.
Another point of optimism for the biology department is the recently created curriculum revisions. The new course layout should create a more organized path of prerequisites and electives that lessen the impediment of student progress. Still, lab sections must also be accounted for when considering the limitations of course sections. NEIU’s lab rooms can only occupy a maximum of 24 students simultaneously, as mandated by law.
Registering as early as possible, following prerequisites, and making a serious effort to finish and pass a course on the first attempt may help students find a seat in class, but will not cause the problem to disappear instantly. For now, applying the patience developed by studying the immense and intricate science of biology to the enrolment issue might be the best remedy for relieving registration frustration.