With the many students at Moorpark College all trying to get into their desired courses at the start of each semester, it’s a harsh reality that some of us won’t get in, but there is a way to get into a closed or waitlisted course. 

There are various reasons for a student failing to get into a course. Some find fault in the current registration system; others don’t have priority and are forced to wait periods to register.

John Ahn, 19, business major, finds that the current system is inadequate in some aspects.

“Honestly, with the classes that are available it’s really hard to get anything,” said Ahn.

David Lopez, 21, computer science major, has had little or no difficulty with the current registration system. 

“I think it’s pretty simple,” said Lopez.

The fact still remains however, that whether you find the current system simple or difficult, some will not get into their desired courses. Even so, there are still ways to get into the courses you want.

Many instructors will drop students who are not present the first week of class. Students who are waitlisted or hoping to be added to the course roster may be added in place of the absent student.

Richard Feilden, film professor at Moorpark College, talked about the importance of first day attendance.

 “It’s mandatory unless you have a good reason. I don’t like to be harsh about it. If somebody needs to attend a funeral, reasons like that, for those people I’ll obviously make an exception,” said Feilden.  “Generally speaking, simply because it’s unfair to people who want to add the course and it’s unfair to the people who turn up.”

Opening week attendance is no doubt of vital importance to those hoping to be added, but among students, the probability of being added to a closed or waitlisted course was ambiguous. Some believe that it’s a rare occurrence, other believe it to be commonplace.

“I got into one class, but I hear most occasions you don’t,” said Ahn.

Professors can offer a more concrete idea of just how often students not registered for the course are added. Feilden likes to have as many students as the school will allow him to have.

“I will add everybody I possibly can,” said Feilden. “I’m not looking to drop a number of people in the class and I’ve actually taken this class (Intro to film studies) up and above the original cap. The maximum possible I can have in the class is 60. The college simply will not allow me to go above 60 and so I will add everybody who asks to add up to that point.”

English Professor David Birchman had a very similar view in that he is open to adding students to his courses.

“Generally, you’re always trying to make a balance between those who are on the waiting list because they are trying hard to get into the class, and those who are registered,” said Birchman. “You want to be fair to both sides. So, if the student (registered) does not show up for the first two classes, then I will drop that person and make room for the people on the waiting list.”

No matter the reason, if you fail to get into a course you wanted or needed, you shouldn’t give up. Attend the first week of class and there is still a chance you could still get into a class.