Registering for Classes in 1981

When you registered for this class, you probably did so over the Web. Registration was very different in the 1980s. Let us describe how one of us registered for classes in 1981.

First, you get a copy of the printed schedule of classes. After spending quite a bit of time studying the course offerings, you finally come up with an ideal schedule. But wait . . . the chances of getting all your first choice classes are pretty slim (some things havent changed!). So you come up with some backup plansalternative courses and sections that are less than ideal but will still work. Fortunately, you have a good registration appointment time this semester. A little before your appointment time, you head to the student union and join the very long line for registration. While youre waiting in line, you keep an eye on the bank of television screens that are scrolling through the classes and their statuses. Youre constantly checking to see if any of your ideal classes have closed out. When this happens, you start turning to your backup plans. You finally make it into the registration room, which is just a big multipurpose room filled with computer terminals and people. As you stand in line, you keep a sharp eye on the screens displaying the most up-to-date class statuses. These screens are showing the transparencies of the entire class schedule. As you watch, a person with a transparency marker walks around, crossing off classes that have recently filled. Of course, if one of your classes closes, you turn to your backup, backup plan. You finally make your way to one of the computer terminals, which is operated by trained university staff. The staff person takes your desired schedule, enters the code numbers into the system, and in a minute or two you find out if youre successfully registered. If one of your classes happens to close between the time you checked out the transparencies and the time your data actually got entered, youre sent to the problem table, where someone works with you to finally get a schedule. Once your schedule is successfully entered, you stand in another line, waiting for your printed schedule and tuition bill. Congratulations, after a couple of hours (if youre lucky), youre registered!

Focusing Question:

1. Compare the scenario above to your course registration process.Name four ways the current process is better for students, and four ways the current process is better for universities.