College of William and Mary - Colonial Echo Yearbook (Williamsburg, VA)

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E IR' :l.Ti1..iTIR'.i1T TIL Even with preregistration, students often had to frghttheir way into required classes. 'lt appeared that regard- ' less of what was done with the registration system, stu- dents would always refer to it as a nightmare. The years prior to 1975 were marked by the arena style, meaning mass, registration in William and Mary Hall. This included waiting in line for what seemed to be hours, find- ing classes were closed when one finally reached the appropriate table, rearranging class sched- ules, begging professors, cry- ing and whatever else one could dream up to win a space in a re- quired class. lt wasn't much fun but did have one advantage - it was over in one day. Then the college implement- ed a new preregistration scheme that was found to be adequate at other colleges and universities. This system won immediate popu- larity. Every student received a registration packet from the registrar's office, filled out the appropriate cards, returned them to the registrar and waited for their class schedule. However, if a student was bumped from a class, this also meant finding other classes, waiting in lines and begging professors. Which was the best system? Preregistration meant much more work for the registrar's office and a smaller burden on the faculty than did the arena style. Preregistration was also fairer. Each department was sent a list of how many students requested Long lines at freshman registration typify the arena system of registering students. a particular course broken down by class and major. The depart- ment then decided how man to y en- role. No names were involved at all. However addldrops were high with the new system. After three days of addldrop second semester, 2045 students incurred 6158 trans- actions. By the end of the week, an additional 2000 were made in- volving QO9 students. Director of Registration, Charles Tooma- jian, commented that These figures made one realize how easy it was to get a student's record messed up. One reason for the addfclrops could have been that preregistration took place shortly after midterms. During the long wait between then and the next semester, in- terests often changed. Perhaps if registration had been later in the semester, the problem would have been somewhat allev- lated. Because there was no way of knowing exactly how many students did not get into particular classes with the arena system, a comparison was difficult. How- ever, the registrar's office felt that over half of the students received the exact schedule of classes they requested, which was an excellent average consider- ing the number enrolled in the college. First semester freshmen were the only students who did not preregister. Several alter- natives were suggested to in- clude them into the new system. However, most were not possible. Freshmen could not preregister in the summer through the mail because the faculty required them to meet with an advisor l 14 REGISTRATION

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Most freshmen think orientation is too structured. sidered it amusing, there was a general disatisfaction. As noted by Sue Lovegren, lt was not effective in letting the student body really know what the honor council was all about. Most were opposed to the Student Development Activity termed the Sensitivity Session. Freshmen were divided into pairs and asked each other questions concerning their families, in- terests and values. The purpose of the session was to provide new students with an opportunity to get to know at least one an- other well within the first week. Despite a tight schedule, most new stu- dents attend the Palace gardens reception. Numerous trips are required before car is completely unloaded. The recurring criticism was that the questions asked were ridi- culous, too personal and often embarrasing. Orientation week was busyg it seemed as if every hour was scheduled and freshmen wondered when some free time would ar- rive. However, as stated by O.A. Karen Yanity: Although it seemed really structured to freshmen,there is a lot that has to go on, such as academic ad- vising andthe honor council presentation . . . new stu- dents just don't realize how important these are. ORIENTATION 13

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prior to registering. lf fresh- men were asked to come to William and Mary in the summer for an orientation weekend, out-of-state students would have been at a clear disadvantage. lt appeared that arena registration would re- main the only practical system for the first semester freshmen. Although the registrar's office appealed to the admin- istration, faculty and students each year, no changes were sug- gested forthe upperclass regis- tration system. Therefore, for the future it was projected that preregistration would continue. By the time freshmen reach departmental tables, many classes are full and the students have no choice but to sit down and find another acceptable course. The only store where prices canit nf-lake a difference much more W8tlVl shirts jackets erhaps every student at the college could look through old cancelled checks and find many made out to the William and Mary Bookstore For unlike other stores within the Williamsburg area it was un avoidable lt was in the book store that professors were men tally cursed by students for assigning so many books at such outrageous prices it was in the bookstore that one waited in line at the start of each semester only to find out that a particu lar book was either sold out or had not yet arrived and it was to the bookstore that one ran five minutes before a test to buy a forgotten blue book ln addition to required texts the bookstore offered mugs and pennants were available for the school spirited student and the souvenir hunting tourist Albums or posters were great for last minute gifts Cliff notes were always appreciated by the procrastinating English mayor and best sellers were available for those who felt they had time to read for fun Bookstore lines are inevitable at the start of each semester REGISTRATION 15