<p>Marite,
Though MotherOfTwo didn’t encounter it they did a skit addressing the issue during one of the orientations and it was raised again at the parent-advisor meeting. It seemed that in most/many cases students were able to go to the professor and get into the class they needed. The point of the presentation and conversation seemed to be twofold. First to be as flexible as possible, i.e. day, time, instructor, and second, to be open to unexpected possibilities. In the skit the student didn’t get the honors chem class he wanted (I’m not sure there actually is an “honors” class but you get the point) and was placed in to a drama class ("Mom, DRAMA!!! I don’t even know what drama is?). After the paniced call and a conversation with advisor S talks to chem teacher and is admitted and finds that drama is interesting. We’ll know more tomorrow night when we see how the Ds faired. </p>
<p>As to helicopter parents, they did reemind us that we really were expected to leave by 5:30. They also avoided the issue of parents involved in scheduling by making sure the process happended after we left. One thing I find interesting is the extensive preliminary process they use before registration occurs. </p>
<p>Thursday night students met with their advisor and upper class counselor, groups of 6 or so freshman with 2 UCC’s and an advisor (I think). This meeting gave them a general overview and included student strategies/myths for getting classes. </p>
<p>Friday they took placement exams and attended presentations by different departments and professional groups, pre-law, pre-med etc. </p>
<p>Saturday they sit down with their advisor and put together a final schedule to submit.</p>
<p>I like that they have several days to think about it while getting more info as they work through the process.</p>