Welcome to Mason! We are excited to offer a priority registration program to you, our newly admitted fall 2022 freshman students! If you are interested, you can choose to be pre-registered for up to 2 courses that will count towards your degree.
Please indicate your intent to participate in this program by sharing your learning preferences on the link in the previously sent email invitation. Qualifying students who complete the necessary forms will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis by our Mason team prior to Orientation. You will then complete the course registration process during Orientation with our academic advisors.
General Questions
Q: If I don’t do this, how/when will I register for classes?
A: You will still have the option to register during your selected summer Orientation date as normal. Once you have paid your enrollment deposit, you will be able to select your Orientation date.
Q: Does this cost extra money?
A: No. Mason is offering this program to assist with your transition to Mason and there is no extra cost to participate.
Q: If I register for in-person classes, how will I know I will have on-campus housing?
A: First-year students will receive notification of their learning community placement on May 27. Roommate matching will begin in early June and students will be assigned to their specific rooms in early July.
Q: What if I change my mind and don’t want the courses I get pre-registered for?
A: The courses you are placed into have been carefully selected based on your academic program, and stated learning preferences. These courses are required classes and will count towards your degree. You will have the opportunity to add additional courses to complete your schedule at Orientation this summer. You can also make changes to your pre-registered courses or make any other schedule modifications during Orientation.
Q: When will I be placed into my classes?
A: Course groupings are assigned on a first come, first-served basis as capacity is available for each course within the grouping. We will pre-register you prior to your scheduled Orientation date, at which time you will be able to view and review your schedule.
Q: How do I know what courses I should take? How do I know which course grouping to choose?
A: All course groupings have been identified by your academic program as meeting your academic needs for your first semester. The course grouping options you see will be custom to your academic program.
Eligibility
Q: How do I know if I am eligible for this program?
A: This option is available for most new incoming freshmen. Students in certain majors or programs may not be eligible for this initiative due to the requirements of their programs, but will still be able to work with their academic advisor to select courses during orientation.
Scheduling and Course Availability
Q: Will I get to see the schedule before I’m registered?
A: No. You will be able to indicate your learning preferences, however, we will not be able to provide specific course information prior to Orientation. Courses will be assigned to students on a first come, first served basis as capacity is available for each course.
Q: Can I pick the professors or see the professors in the course grouping options?
A: No, this information is not available for the pre-registration option. Courses will be selected for students on a first come, first served basis as capacity is available for each course.
Q: What if a class is not during a time/day I want? Can I change my schedule?
A: Yes. You will have the option to make registration changes during your selected summer Orientation date as normal. Once you have paid your enrollment deposit, you may select your Orientation date.
Q: How do I know which classes I will be placed in? How will I see what courses I am registered for?
A: You will be pre-registered for your courses prior to your registered Orientation date. You will be able to view your schedules in PatriotWeb once the registration is completed. Please note that after completing your course preference form, registration is not automatic and will take some time to process as advising and registration staff review your preferences and place you into classes.
Q: Can I swap out/change any of the classes in the grouping?
A: Yes. You will have the option to make registration changes during your selected summer Orientation date as normal. Once you have paid your enrollment deposit, you may select your Orientation date.
Q: What if one course conflicts with another course I want to take?
A: You will have the option to make registration changes during your selected summer Orientation date as normal. Once you have paid your enrollment deposit, you may select your Orientation date.
Q: If I am in a learning community that requires a class, how will that work with the pre-registration program?
A: Learning Community Coordinators in academic units will be working with the individuals registering students for course groupings. If there is a conflict, the learning community required course will take priority in course registration.
Q: How many courses do freshmen typically take? Will this complete my registration process?
A: To be a full-time student, you must be registered for at least 12 credits, which is typically 4 courses. (Most courses are 3 credits each, but some are more than that, and some can be fewer.) Some full-time students might take as many as 5 classes, around 15 credits. Pre-registration will only sign you up for 2 courses, so your registration will not be complete at that time if you intend to be a full-time student. You will complete registration and speak with an academic advisor during Orientation this summer.
If you have additional questions not answered by our FAQs below, please contact the Office of Academic Advising at [email protected].