IT SEEMS that every year there is confusion and argument over the system used to determine course registration times. Previously, the system was relatively simple. Athletes and Echols scholars were given priority, and remaining students were given times based on their total number of credit hours. This semester marked a new change, as the registration schedule was modified in an attempt to make the process fairer. Milton Adams, vice provost for academic programs, says, "The new system of enrollment times based on UVa credit earned is more equitable to incoming students with little or no advanced placement credit." Certainly, the new system goes a long way toward fairness, but in reality it still has room for improvement.
The old process was often frustrating for students who were unable to get into small classes for years, only to finally be admitted and find that the majority of the class was made up of first-year Echols Scholars. Athletes deserve priority registration because their sports schedules often conflict with many courses, while Echols Scholars are offered priority registration in an attempt to entice the strongest students to the University. Under the new system they continue to have this advantage; however, they only register before the students from their own years. For example, a first-year Echols student will register before other first years but never before a fourth year student. In this way, the new process is more egalitarian, allowing these students to have priority but without putting undue burden on other students.
This system also has its downside. Now, only credits earned at the University and credits of transfer students count in the registration process. This means that AP, IB, dual enrollment and non-direct study abroad credit no longer factors into the decision. This policy is unfair, as many students worked hard to earn these credits, and they deserve to benefit from them.
Supporters of the new system say that most students will take four years to graduate, regardless of the number of credits they come in with. Although this may be true, it is not a good reason to deny them earlier registration times. Certainly these students should have the option of graduating early: even if few people take advantage of this opportunity, it should be relatively easy for them to do so.
In a better system, AP, IB and dual enrollment credits would benefit the students who earned them, but without unnecessarily burdening other students. With just a slight revision of the policy, this goal is obtainable. Students should still register according to their academic levels, with Echols students and athletes receiving priority, but beyond that all course credits should be counted. For example, a first-year student who comes to the University with a lot of AP credits would be one of the first to register within his class, but he would never register before a true second-year student.
Adams also notes, "Not all of our students have access to AP credits in their secondary schools." While this is technically true, as not all schools participate in AP testing, any student may take and pass the tests. According to the College Board Web site, hundreds of students participate each year through independent study. Hopefully the advanced high school courses taken by students at the University would prepare students to pass these tests, even if they are not administered at their respective high schools.
Some will argue that accepting these credits is economically divisive, since not all students can afford to pay for AP tests or dual enrollment, neither of which is cheap. However, a student who is concerned with getting a good value for his education benefits most from these credits. If a highly motivated student could pass 10 AP tests, the cost to him would be approximately $800. However, to attend the University for two semesters, tuition is currently $8,690 for in-state students and $27,940 for out-of-state students; these numbers exclude room and board. A student worried about cost stands to benefit the most from finishing a year of college before leaving home. According to their Web site, the College Board provides fee reductions for students with financial need, while most states offer subsidies which cover all or part of the remaining cost.
With this slight revision of current policy, we would finally have a just course registration process. This system would not favor students who come from the most competitive high schools at the expense of upperclassmen. At the same time, it does reward those students who worked hard to earn credits through AP or IB tests and dual enrollment. This final step has the potential to lay the course registration arguments to rest.
Arin Smith is a Cavalier Daily Viewpoint writer.
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