Web registration not available for Fall semester

by Alexis Lahr
Staff Writer

Web registration is still a dream for University of La Verne students, as the new process has been put on hold for another semester.

According to Eric Bishop, director of academic advising and student retention, the date for full implementation was postponed because some of the programs for the system need to be rewritten.

"We have the technology there," he said. "Now we need to coordinate it properly."

The initial date for implementation was fall of 2003, but Bishop said the University is trying to get the system ready as soon as possible.

He would not say exactly when the system would be implemented because the University does not want to set a specific date, try to make it on time and then have the system break down.

"We want to do it right the first time," he said.

Small parts of the program were tested during registration last fall. Twenty-two students were randomly chosen to try out the online system. The goal was to see how well students could maneuver it and if it is user friendly. Bishop said about 250 students will be selected to continue testing the program during registration for fall semester.

When the system is finished it should solve some of the problems students have had with registration in the past.

Students will still have to meet with their advisers prior to pre-registration but will no longer have to stand in line to turn in their paperwork. Students will have a pin number that will enable them to submit their pre-registration online.

The goal is "a smoother enrollment for students," Bishop said.

Many students are looking forward to the new system and feel it will eliminate problems.

Junior Bobby Vail feels that Web registration is "a good idea because then our registration can't get messed up."

"It's about time we have something as standard as online registration," junior V.J. Walbridge said.

Both students said they did not mind waiting for the new system but hope it works when it is finally implemented.

"I'm sure there will be kinks, but I hope it's ready when it's released," Walbridge said.

Bishop emphasized how important it is to have the system functioning properly, since it will affect not only undergraduates but all ULV students.

Fifteen committee members are working on the Web registration project. The members represent various departments at ULV such as Student Accounts, Registrar's Office, Academic Advising and off-campus sites.