F&M Stories
A Parent's Guide to Course Registration
Course registration happens twice each year — fall and spring — when students select classes for the following semester. Given the variety of options and opportunities that students have available to them at F&M, each student’s course selection is unique to them. Preparation can make all of the difference to ensure that the process is as stress-free and productive as possible.
In advance of the registration advising period, students receive frequent communications from the Office of the Registrar and other campus support services with instructions about the process and mechanics of registration. In addition, they have access to a host of tools through their registration hub, including registration guides, schedule of courses, language placement exams schedules, and a course planner.
The most important thing for students to remember throughout the process is to ask questions. Faculty and staff are here to help them but they need to know how they can best help. Students can direct their questions to their academic adviser, first-year advising mentor (FAM), Peer Academic Coach, House Don, or the Registrar.
What Students Are Doing Now
- Building their Schedule
Over the next weeks, students will be meeting with their academic adviser and building out a schedule of the courses they need for the next step in their academic journey. - Practicing the Process
The Registrar’s Office hosts hands-on, formal and informal drop-in sessions for students who want to familiarize themselves with exactly how registration works. - Their Adviser
All students must meet with their academic adviser to discuss their educational plans and receive their registration PIN. If your student is unsure about who their academic adviser is, they can check on their DegreeWorks page. - Holds
Students should also check for and resolve any hold on their records as registration is prevented with any type of hold. Holds can stem from a variety of reasons including overdue bills or incoming paperwork. - Distribution Requirements
Students should focus on completing their distribution requirements (arts, humanities, etc.) in their first or second year.
How You Can Help
- Talk to your student and find out the specific problem. They were reminded to clear
holds, meet with advisers, and seek various permissions in advance.
- Be a sounding board: Help them work through the situation and think about what questions
they might have for their advisor or an instructor.
- If the problem is technical or computer-related, the ITS Helpdesk may be helpful or
the Registrar for DegreeWorks issues.
- If they haven’t already, suggest that your student bring their faculty adviser into
the loop.
- Registration is a multi-week process and not all registration problems can be solved right away, so students should be patient and flexible. You can remind them that waitlists are a normal part of the process.
Registration Test-Drives
Tuesday, October 21 & Tuesday, October 28
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Stager 112
Students who want to familiarize themselves with the registration process can bring their laptop and stop by Stager 112 on Tuesday, October 21 or 28 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
If they can’t make those times, they can visit (with their laptop!) the Registrar’s Office in Diagnothian Hall Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. They are happy to walk your student through it!
Registration Station & Drop-In Hours
FAMs will walk first-time registrants through the course registration process and answer any questions.
Drop-in Hours at The Hub
- Monday, November 3: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 4: 12 - 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 5: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Thursday, November 5: 12 - 1 p.m.
Registration Station
- Wednesday, November 5: 4:30-5:30 p.m. (Harris 002)
Spring 2026 Course Registration Dates
Registration Advising
October 20 - 31
Registration Advising is the period during which students meet with their academic adviser to build out a schedule of the courses they need for the next step in their academic journey.
Phase 1 Registration
November 3 - 7
Phase 1 Registration is the period during which students officially register for their desired courses. Students must have their registration PIN.
- Class of 2026: Nov. 3, 11:00 p.m. - Nov. 4, 10:59 p.m. EST
- Class of 2027: Nov. 4, 11:00 p.m. - Nov. 5, 10:59 p.m. EST
- Class of 2028: Nov. 5, 11:00 p.m. - Nov. 6, 10:59 p.m. EST
- Class of 2028: Nov. 6, 11:00 p.m. - Nov 7, 10:59 p.m. EST
Phase 2 Add/Drop
November 10 - January 20
Phase 2 Add/Drop is the period during which students can modify their Spring 2026 registration.
- All students: Nov. 10, 11:00 p.m. - Jan 20, 10:59 p.m. EST
The Office of the Registrar is responsible for maintaining the academic records of
all current and former students, and for upholding the academic policy set by the
faculty. Above all, we aspire to serve each of our constituents with courteous and
efficient assistance.Office of the Registrar
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