Self Registration and Advisement

Self Registration and Advisement

Registering one's self for classes can be an easy or a tricky thing... depending on how well prepared one is.  Here's a step-by-step procedure for successful self-registration: You need to know what you're doing!  Do some homework before registering for classes.

1.  What is your major?  Check your curriculum guide before choosing your classes.  You probably want to take classes you need rather than classes that won't count toward your degree.  If you know what your major is, you can find your curriculum guide here:  JALC Degrees and Certificates  The curriculum guide is a list of classes you need to complete in order to earn your desired degree or certificate.  If you're uncertain but want to transfer, you should use the Associate of Arts (General) or the Associate of Science (General) degree NOT the Associate in General Studies degree.

2.  Look at the required classes on your curriculum guide and think about what you might want to take.  Some curriculum guides are very specific as to what classes you need.  Others give you choices.  If you have choices, they will probably appear as "Fine Arts Elective," "Humanities Elective," "Social Science Elective," or "Science Elective."  This is the tricky part!  For example, don't just assume that because a course is an "art" course that it will count as an "Art Elective."  The same holds true for all of the specified electives.  You can find exactly which courses count as which electives here: Choosing Electives  This is very important!  The courses listed in the left hand column meet specific elective requirements.  The course in the right hand column are general electives that all transfer but don't necessarily meet the specific requirements for fine arts, humanities, social science, and science electives. Very few of the specified majors allow for general electives.  The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees allow for as few as 12 or as many as 23 hours of general electives.  Your total credits for these two degrees should add up to 62. You subtract all of the required classes on your curriculum guide from 62 to find how many general electives you can take. If you don't see the words "General Elective" on your curriculum guide, you must stick with the courses listed or choose courses from those specified in the left hand column.  Make a list of what courses you need and might want to take for the coming semester.

3.  Now look at the schedule of course offerings for the semester you want.  JALC Schedule Summer 2014 and/or JALC Schedule Fall 2014 Find the courses on your list and see when they're offered. If you want more information about a particular class, look it up in the JALC Catalog.  If you're still not certain, you can look at the syllabus for the course from the current (or previous) semester. You can find syllabi back to 2005 at:  JALC Syllabi Portal   Decide which classes you want and work out a schedule that pleases you.  Perhaps you want a particular teacher?  Perhaps you can only come to school or certain days or at certain times? Maybe you MUST have certain classes in order to graduate at a certain time?  It is your choice!

4. Keep in mind that, if you receive financial aid, your financial aid will cover ONLY classes required for your degree -- the courses listed on your curriculum guide or their prerequisites.

5.  If you have questions at this point, contact your advisor.  Make an appointment to talk or to ask questions rather than an  appointment to register for classes. Your advisor is there to help you make the right decisions but can't put you in classes until a week after online advisement becomes available.

6.  Now that you know what you want, it's time to log in to WEBLINK using your JALC ID number and password and register for classes. WEBLINK will only work with Internet Explorer so please use it rather than Firefox or another browser.  If you don't know your ID or password, go here: I.D./Password Request Form.  Complete the form and your ID and password will be emailed to you.

7. Using WEBLINK is pretty easy!  Once you're in, click on Registration (left column) and choose the semester for which you want to register.  You will then be able to see your schedule as it exists for the semester you've chosen.  If you're registering for the first time for that semester, you won't be in any classes.  You can find your classes by searching Schedule of Classes or by clicking on Add Courses.  Add the courses you want and be sure to hit Save when you are finished. If you can't add the courses you want (perhaps because there's a prerequisite) or you run into any other kind of problem, contact your advisor.  He or she may be able to help you immediately or may need you to come in for an appointment.

Registering one's self for classes is a great option for students. It does require the student to accept responsibility for what he or she signs up for.  If you choose to participate in online registration, it's always a good idea to make an appointment with your advisor to be sure you're in the correct classes for your degree.

Remember... your advisor is there to help you get it right so don't hesitate to contact him or her with questions before or after you register!

Good luck!