As you prepare to enroll in any given semester, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the information on the Enrollment Overview website at the Office of the Registrar.
Enrollment Basics
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A course I want to enroll in is closed or wait-listed. What should I do?
For courses that have a wait-list option:
- Add yourself to the wait-list
- Continue looking for other open sections and checking for open seats (more information about wait-lists on this page)
- Enroll in a back-up course in case you are not able to get into your first choice. You can always swap into the wait-listed course if a spot becomes available
Academic advisors do not have control over closed courses, wait-lists, or granting enrollment permissions for classes.
When do you create a waitlist for a course?
The English department does not manage waitlists for English 100 or for courses that have lecture + discussion. For other courses, waitlists for courses may be activated after a course has filled.
Can I know what spot I am on the waitlist?
If you are currently on the waitlist for an English course, please be patient. You will be notified by email if you are given the opportunity to enroll. We will not be informing students of their position on the waitlist. It is important to note that the waitlist is not a guarantee for enrollment.
Course Search and Enroll says there are open seats, but I am unable to enroll. Why?
At times, the Course Search & Enroll App may display a course with open seats but won’t allow you to enroll. If there are already students on the waitlist for this course, these open seats are being given to students already on the waitlist. If you want to be considered for enrollment, you will need to join the waitlist for the course.
When is the deadline for adding/dropping a course?
Course Availability
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I’m a first-year student and need to take English 100 in the fall but all sections are full. What are my options?
Continue to monitor course search and enroll ahead of classes starting to see if a spot opens up that you can enroll in. If you are not able to secure a seat in the course, we suggest you enroll in the spring semester or consider another Communication A course.
How do I enroll in the English courses that are taught online in January?
Each year, we offer classes that are taught online before the regular spring semester starts. These classes enroll at the same time as all other spring semester classes. Intermediate/Advanced level courses will allow declared English majors to enroll first before opening any remaining seats to non-declared students who meet the requisite. There is high demand for these courses so we strongly encourage students to have alternative courses planned.
I need a course where I write a 10-page paper for medical school applications. What English course meets this requirement?
We do not have a consistent course in our department that has students write a 10-page paper with revision work. We suggest you consult with the advisors over in the Center for Pre-Health Advising for additional support.
Requisites + Permissions
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A course I want to take requires “Sophomore standing” and I am a junior. Am I able to take the class?
The sophomore standing requisite means that students must at least have obtained sophomore standing to enroll in the class. Juniors and seniors are welcome to take these courses.
I want to take an English Creative Writing course, but it says that I need to be a declared English major? Is there a way I can still enroll?
We allow declared English majors access to workshops first in enrollment. If there are seats remaining, we will open them up to non-declared English majors who meet the requisites, usually around the start of freshman enrollment.
I don’t meet the requisites for an English course, can I receive an exception?
Generally, no. We would suggest looking for alternative courses where you do meet the requisites.
Troubleshooting
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Restricted section:
If you receive an error message like “Course validation failed” or “Enrollment requisites not met” while trying to enroll, but you think that you meet the prerequisites for the course, you might be attempting to enroll in a special section reserved for students in a First-Year Interest Group (FIG), Residential Hall, or a special honors section. Please check the notes and enrollment requirements for any restrictions.
Why am I getting an error message in Course Search and Enroll?
There are a number of reasons why you have an enrollment error, like not meeting the prerequisites for a class, trying to enroll in a section that’s reserved for a specific group, etc. Often, you just need to click “re-validate”. The Common Issues and Error Messages page is a good resource for understanding those messages. It also offers some helpful advice for how to move forward if you receive an enrollment error.
Who should I contact if I have questions that are not listed on this page?
Erin Polnaszek Boyd, Academic Advising Manager, erin.polnaszek.boyd@wisc.edu