Course registration: it happens each semester and no matter if this is your first time choosing classes or your last time, we've got the resources to make the process as painless as possible!
When do I Register for Spring 2026 Classes?
Consult the Registrar's time table here or check below.
| Start Date | Start Time | End Date | End Time | Student Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 17 | 8:30 AM | November 26 | 11:59 PM | Durham/Manchester Seniors: 90 or more credits earned |
| November 24 | 8:30 AM | November 26 | 11:59 PM | Durham/Manchester Junior: 58-89 credits earned |
| December 1 | 8:30 AM | December 3 | 11:59 PM | Durham/Manchester Sophomore: 26-57 credits earned |
| December 4 | 8:30 AM | December 8 | 11:59 PM | Durham/Manchester Freshman: 0-25 credits earned |
| December 9 | 8:00 AM | Registration re-opens for ALL undergraduate courses | ||
| December 15 | 8:00 AM | Continuing Education/Non-Degree |
- Can I change my schedule over break? Yes, but if you have a question, consult your advisor.
- What if a class I wanted to take was full (i.e., "closed")? Continue to check when registration re-opens as schedules change once final grades are posted!
- Webcat isn't letting me register for a fifth class/up to 20 credits: Make sure a fifth class/20 credits is on your advisor's radar. Some Colleges have GPA requirements in order to take 20 credits. If you have permission and have spoken with your College about the need to take 20 credits, the window opens the Tuesday before the semester starts.
How do I Prepare for Registration?
Preparing in advance helps ensure a successful course registration experience. Below are recommended steps to follow BEFORE the registration period begins.
| Steps | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1) Check Assigned Registration Date and Time |
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| 2) Check for Account Holds |
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| 3) Check Academic Standing Status |
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| 4) Meet with Academic Advisor |
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| 5) Get Registration Access Code (RAC)/AltPIN |
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What Resources Do I Use?
- How do I find out who my advisor is? Your advisor is listed in WebCat (Click the Student Records tab and select View Major and Advisor) and MyWildcat Success (on the right side under your student photo and Student Info, they are listed as part of your success team).
- Make an appointment with your advisor (you’ll likely get emailed about when to come in)
- If you’ve met with your advisor to create a graduation plan, consult your plan (that will help with course picks for the next semester!)
- Move forward with the belief you will pass your classes (unless you’re absolutely certain you’ll fail, plan to take the next class in your sequence. Your advisor will help make changes based on the need to repeat something.)
- What is DegreeWorks? It's your degree audit and displays your major, Discovery, writing intensive, credit, and GPA requirements
- Where can I find my DegreeWorks page? Log into WebCat and select Student Records, then Degree Evaluation, then Degree Works.
- What is the course search? It's the go-to location for all classes being offered each semester. You can find it here!
- What should I look for when perusing classes? Course descriptions include helpful information like: class size, meeting days and times, restrictions, pre- and co-requisites, attributes, the CRN (course registration number), if instructor permission is needed, and sometimes even the course syllabus!
- Is there an easy way to keep track of classes I'm interested in taking? Yes! Just use the "save this course" feature. It appears as a checkbox above the description of each course.
- I know what Discovery categories I have left, is there a way to search for classes that fulfill those requirements? Yes! Just click on Attributes in the menu on the left side of the screen, then click Course Attributes, then select the Discovery category and select the type of Discovery course you are looking for.
- What is the Catalog? The Catalog contains everything you need to about your major and program of study. It contains ideal course progression pathways, learning outcomes, and lists all the classes you need to take for your major
- How can I use the Catalog to help with registration? Utilize the Programs tabs to explore the course requirements and availabilities for your major, then use the Course Descriptions tab to look at breakdowns of what each course entails, including any prerequisites, course equivalents, number of credits, grade mode, and more.
- How can I visualize what my schedule is going to look like? You can use YouScheduler
- Old School and looking for a paper option? Print out or grab one (at CFAR!) of these semester planning worksheets
How do I create a schedule that works for me?
Consider the following questions...
- Times ..what class times worked better for you? Morning, afternoon, or evening?
- Lengths...did you prefer 50 minute, 90 minutes, or longer class sections?
- Distribution...would you rather have lots of classes over fewer days or a couple classes every day?
- Did having breaks between classes work better than working straight through a longer block?
- If possible, can you select smaller or larger class sized based on your preference?
- For labs and recitations...is it better to have them at beginning versus the end of week?
- Have you done your research? Talk with friends, faculty, and your advisor to see what they’d recommend (note: “easy” is relative and individual!)
- Do you have back-ups and back-ups to the back-ups? You want to be ready no matter what!
What questions will help me prepare for my meeting with my advisor?
- Did you make your appointment within the window your advisor provided?
- Do you need to bring anything or prepare anything to review when you meet with your advisor?
- Did you consult the material(s) and/or resources given to you by your advisor?
- Have you researched your next semester courses ahead of time?
- Do you have a list of questions you want to ask your advisor? Prepare those in advance!
How do I prepare for my registration time?
Consider the following questions...
- Have you reworked any courses or requirements based on your advisor's feedback?
- Do you have enough back-up sections and classes if you register later in the day?
- Are you aware of any advisor drop-in hours you can visit if you hit a snag?
- Have you set an alarm or a reminder for the big day?
- Are all HOLDs taken care of?
- How much time do you need to get yourself ready before you choose classes in Webcat?
- Did your advisor give you your RAC number?
- Where can I find my RAC? Go on WebCat and select Registration, then View RAC and select the correct term
- Can I see if there's space in a certain class? You sure can! Use the Look Up Classes function in WebCat. If a section says "Reserve Closed" or "Closed Section," there are currently no seats available in that class.
- How do I register for my classes in WebCat? Check out these detailed instructions
- I did it...now, where can I find my schedule? Check out these instructions
- How do I get my RAC number? You must meet with your advisor to get your RAC.
Where can I find my RAC? Your advisor should have provided it during your appointment. You can also locate your RAC in WebCat.
- Can I register for classes if I have a HOLD on my account? No. You need to resolve any holds in advance of your registration time.
- Where can I find my HOLD(s)? Log into Webcat, click on the "Registration" tab and then mouse down to "View Holds." Work with the relevant office(s) to get things all set!
