Frequently Asked Questions about the Physics waitlists 

Does it matter when I add my name to the wait list?

No. It does not matter when you add your name to the wait list, as long as you are on the wait list when late registration becomes available in the class you are trying to add. Your order on the wait list is not related to the chronological order of when you submitted the form.

How can I maximize the chance that I will be able to add a class?

The more time slots that you specify you are available for the better the chance that you can be assigned to a class. Do not, however, specify that you are available for a time slot that you would be unwilling to register for.

What if my availability changes after I submit the form?

You can resubmit the form with your new availability. Any previous submissions will be ignored.

How do you decide who gets priority on the waitlist?

Academic sneate policy S97-1 dictates this.

What do I need to do after I submit the form?

Check your email at least every 24 hours during the add period. If registration becomes available in the class you are trying to add, you will receive an email from hamillbot@gmail.com letting you know the status of your request. If you were placed in a class this email will contain an add code that must be used within 24 hours, so it is important you check your email regularly (you might add this address to your email address book to prevent it from going to the junk folder)

If I get an email that there is currently no space for me in the class should I resubmit this form in case space becomes available?

No. Once you are on the wait list there is no need to resubmit the form unless your availability changes. The original wait list will continue to be used each time additional spaces become available in the class.

I had failed the class before which made it difficult to add the course in past semesters. This has held me back in the progression of my major. What can I do?

Fortunatley there will be more openings than in past years when university budget restrictions limited the number of sections that could be opened. Nevertheless, university policy is that students wishing to retake a course can only do so subject to availability. The department is working hard to ensure that all students who are enrolled are given the help necessary to pass the course successfully, and part of that is keeping low student-to-faculty ratios by enforcing enrollment limits. At the same time we realize there are many students who have difficulty enrolling, and so we do open new sections from time to time as demand and resources allow.

I accidentally registered for a different section than I was assigned. What should I do?

Reply to the email that you got with the add code explaining the situation. As long as you do so promptly you'll be given an opportunity to fix the mistake. Failure to do so will result in you being dropped fmor the class.

I see on my.sjsu.edu that a section has an opening, will I be able to get it?

Maybe, but there are probably other people on the waitlist who are also trying to get that section. When we give out add codes to those students we "hold the spot" in the class for about 24 hours to give them a chance to register, hence even if a class appears to be available we may not be giving out more add codes for it.

I really need this class for financial aid or for graduating on time. What should I do?

Sign up on the waitlist like everyone else. We do not prioritize spots based on circumstances. While waiting for an add code, you should make a continengy plan in case you are not able to get in.

My position on the waitlist keeps getting worse. Why?

If somebody adds there name to the waitlist after you who happens to have a higher priority (based on Academic sneate policy S97-1) then you your position will get worse.

How likely am I to get an add code? When will I get it?

These are difficult things to predict with any sort of accuracy. You will simply have to wait to find out.

What happens if I get an add code but can't use it right away?

You must use your add code right away. If you cannot due to a hold on your account, being over the allowed number of units, etc, your code will be given to someone else.

What if I prefer to have a specific class or instructor?

You will be assigned a class that fits your specified availability. You may also choose a section or sections that you prefer, and we will try to accomodate that request, given the constraints on section availability. If the section you get assigned is not your top choice, you should register for it anyways - you can then use this form again to try to change sections to your preferred section, with the understanding that it may not be possible and you may end up staying in the class you registered for.