The university has implemented new procedures for registration beginning with the Fall 2008 semester. Returning students should register for Fall 2008 before May 30. The old procedure whereby students were given a "registration access code (RAC)" is no longer is in effect. Rather, students are simply electronically "cleared" for registration by the department. Additionally, new procedures for automatic prerequiste checking have been implemented.

Entering students upon admission should contact the Computer Science Department's Graduate Director for advisement. At that time the student and Director will review the student's background, goals, etc., and jointly determine a preliminary course of study. The courses for which to register will be determined at that time.

Returning students should also contact the Graduate Director, as in past semesters, for advisement. However, rather than being given a RAC, upon completion of advisement the student will be "cleared" for registration within the online registration system.

For all students, at the time of registration the university's online registration system will check that students have all prerequisite courses listed in the UTPA course catalog. Currently, the system has some significant shortcomings, e.g., inability to check coursework from other universities, and in practice the department will work around those shortcomings on a case by case basis.

Returning students should register for Fall 2008 during the first registration and advisement period beginning April 17 and complete registration and advisement prior to the end of classes May 9. A second registration and advisement period for returning students will be held May 12 through May 30. During these registration and advisement periods, department personnel will be available to assist in the new registration and prerequiste clearance process, and students should be able to complete registration and advisement within one day.

Returning students electing to delay enrollment beyond the first and second registration and advisement periods (May 30) should anticipate a longer registration period and allow two weeks to complete the registration process.