In collaboration with administrators and advisers in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Siegel said the administration began discussing ways to address the registration and advising issues more than two years ago.
Last year the University began a 100-student pilot program similar to the program that will be fully implemented this summer. After students expressed greater satisfaction with the new program, administrators from the Columbian College began discussing ways to make the system University-wide for this CI.
"We learned from (the pilot program) that, with proper guidance, students could effectively register from home," wrote Paul Duff, associate dean of CCAS for undergraduate studies, in an e-mail. "An assessment told us that students were satisfied with the distance advising and registration process."
GW First Class allows students to connect with their adviser after being admitted but before registering. It provides an overview of curriculum opportunities and school requirements for each student and helps "evaluate courses, research faculty, and select a schedule best suited to the student's specific needs," Clement said.
After a face-to-face meeting with their advisers during CI to review their schedule, students will be able to go back and make changes any changes they wish after orientation's conclusion.
Clement said because a student's initial contact with their adviser is done through e-mail, there is some concern in the administration that the personal feeling of the advising process will be lost. She said the concerns are unfounded.
"I think it just allows people to get connected earlier, and then reinforce those connections during their academic advising experience at CI," Clement said.
Another administration concern is the program's potential to confuse incoming freshmen.
"Although we have some plans in place to support students as they complete the process, it is hard to predict all of the questions and problems that might arise the first time around," Clement said.
CI this year will run from June to mid-July.
Last year the University began a 100-student pilot program similar to the program that will be fully implemented this summer. After students expressed greater satisfaction with the new program, administrators from the Columbian College began discussing ways to make the system University-wide for this CI.
"We learned from (the pilot program) that, with proper guidance, students could effectively register from home," wrote Paul Duff, associate dean of CCAS for undergraduate studies, in an e-mail. "An assessment told us that students were satisfied with the distance advising and registration process."
GW First Class allows students to connect with their adviser after being admitted but before registering. It provides an overview of curriculum opportunities and school requirements for each student and helps "evaluate courses, research faculty, and select a schedule best suited to the student's specific needs," Clement said.
After a face-to-face meeting with their advisers during CI to review their schedule, students will be able to go back and make changes any changes they wish after orientation's conclusion.
Clement said because a student's initial contact with their adviser is done through e-mail, there is some concern in the administration that the personal feeling of the advising process will be lost. She said the concerns are unfounded.
"I think it just allows people to get connected earlier, and then reinforce those connections during their academic advising experience at CI," Clement said.
Another administration concern is the program's potential to confuse incoming freshmen.
"Although we have some plans in place to support students as they complete the process, it is hard to predict all of the questions and problems that might arise the first time around," Clement said.
CI this year will run from June to mid-July.
