By Theresa Schliep
In previous semesters, registering for classes at Fordham University introduced a host of challenges. From picking a schedule that fills core and major requirements, to discovering a class is full when you try to register proved to be a frustrating endeavor.
Fordham IT attempted to eliminate technological difficulties during registration by unrolling new registration software and increases in bandwidth and, registration ease and efficiency will improve.
Before registration for the Fall 2016 semester began, Fordham IT rolled out a new registration software called Banner XE. IT tested Banner XE on a small segment of the student population during registration for the Spring 2016 semester.
A variety of improvements were made. IT moved the Banner XE interface to the cloud, which Elizabeth Cornell, Ph.D., director of communications at IT called “a more stable environment.” IT also added a “plan ahead” feature, which allows students to select courses ahead of registration, drop them in a basket and submit them during registration. Improvements were also made in the search function.
Students found the new system streamlined and user-friendly. “The experience was really nice in that I could make a plan and add everything from the plan,”said Collin Whitten, FCRH ‘19.
However, the experience was not without flaws.
“Maybe the plan should tell you if you cannot register for a class beforehand, because two of my classes ended up being a conflict because I didn’t take the necessary prerequisites,” said Whitten.
Cornell attributed improvements not only to the new registration software, but also to increases in bandwidth.
“This is a result of the new registration program, called Banner XE,” said Cornell. “The network has been greatly enhanced as well, so between that and the new interface, registration should have been easy for just about everyone.”
Cornell said that while she has not heard of problems with the new registration tools, IT is accepting both positive and negative feedback.
Instructions for class registration are under the Student tab on the my.fordham.edu page, which shows students how to plan ahead and search for courses. Students can search for courses using the subject, course number and keyword. They can also use the advanced search, which allows students to search by college, course attribute, campus, level and meeting days.
The program also distinguishes between the course catalog and the course schedule.
“It’s also possible to see all the courses potentially offered at Fordham or the course catalog, and the courses currently being offered or course schedule,” said Cornell.
After registration, Banner XE shows the user his or her schedule, and the user could view his or her class details by clicking on the class. These details include course descriptions, attributes, syllabus and prerequisites.
IT has more plans in order to improve registration, including a new mobile app for Banner XE. ey plan on rolling out a new mobile app for Banner XE.
