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 prerequisite checking have been implemented. Many students should anticipate multiple contacts with department staff to complete the registration process, in contrast to previous semesters' registration procedure.

Entering students should contact the Computer Science Department for advisement as soon as practical after admission. Sample schedules are available in the department's Graduate Handbook.

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

For all students, at the time of registration the university's new online registration system will in a limited way check students' prerequisite preparation. Currently, the system has significant shortcomings, e.g., inability to check coursework from other universities, consent of instructor, equivalent courses, etc. In practice the department will work around those shortcomings on a case by case basis. In particular, even with appropriate preparation, students wishing to enroll for CSCI 6339, CSCI 6360, CSCI 6365, and CSCI 6368 will likely be inappropriately prevented from doing so. When this occurs, simply contact the department, and the system will be corrected.

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 prerequisite 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 up to two weeks to complete the registration process.

Contacts:

Ms. Lucy Martinez, Department Secretary, 4lucy@utpa.edu

Dr. Richard Fowler, Director, Graduate Programs, fowler@utpa.edu