FAQ

How does automatic waitlisting work?

Students who attempt to register for a closed section may add their names to a waitlist for that section. If a seat in the section becomes available, a notice will be sent to the UNE email address of the student on the top of the waitlist. This student will have 24 hours to log into his or her U-Online account and “web-register” for the waitlisted course.

The open seats will be reserved solely for the students at the top of the waitlist — no other student may register for the seat during the 24-hour period. If the student at the top of the waitlist does not add the class within the 24-hour time period, he or she will be removed from the waitlist and the next student on the list will be notified.

Are students who sign up for a waitlist guaranteed a seat in the class?

No, there is no guarantee that even one seat in a class will become available for students on a waitlist. For this reason, students should register for a full complement of at least four full courses or the equivalent in addition to any waitlisted sections.

Even though there are no guarantees, what are the chances that one or more seats will become available for students on waitlist for a class?

No one can say for sure. Chances of getting a seat in a closed class are better for students who have a high position on the waitlist; however, even the first student on the waitlist may not be offered a seat. In general, we expect only a few waitlisted students at most will be offered seats in any given class section. Again, students on a waitlist should not assume that a seat in the class will become available and should register for at least four full courses or the equivalent in addition to any waitlisted sections.

How are students on a waitlist prioritized?

Waitlists for most classes are prioritized on first-come, first-served basis. That is, the first student signing up for the waitlist will be offered the first available seat in the section.

How do seats become available in a section with a waitlist?

A seat in a closed section becomes available when a registered student drops the class.

Are there any requirements to get on the waitlist for a section?

Yes, students must meet all academic requirements, including course prerequisites and restrictions, in order to waitlist for a closed class. If you get an error while attempting to add yourself to the waitlist you will not be added to the waitlist.

Can students avoid the waitlist for a closed class by asking the faculty member for a capacity override?

No, it would not be fair to students on the waitlist if other students could bypass this list altogether.

What about students who really need a closed class to meet graduation requirements?

Students who are approaching graduation and have a pressing need to register for a required course should register for the course during their first night of registration. Seniors and juniors are seldom closed out of required courses if they prioritize such courses over electives. Students who find a required class closed should add their names to the waitlist and register for another course they need.

What happens if a student at the top of the waitlist does not register for an open seat within 24 hours of receiving email notification?

A student who is offered an available seat and does not register within the 24-hour window will be dropped from the waitlist and the seat will be offered to the next student on the list. For this reason, students should check their UNE email accounts at least twice each day.

What if the student waitlists a class and later decides he or she is no longer interested?

As a courtesy to other students, it is expected that students will drop themselves from the waitlists of any section they no longer plan to take. 

I have waitlisted myself for a course and I received an email notification to register for the seat during the 24-hour period. How do I register for the waitlisted course?

In U-Online under Student Services, Registration, Register and Add/Drop Classes, under Current Schedule, click the drop-down next to the waitlisted course and select Register and Submit Changes.