Course Registration Information
Use your insidePacific as your gateway to register for courses. Use this page as your guide for information related to registering for courses.
Prior to Registration Checklist
- Plan your Schedule
- Meet with Advisor to release Registration Access Hold
- Clear other Holds that prevent Registration
- Update Address
- Review Prerequisites
- Check Registration Appointment Time
Plan your schedule
Use the online course listing and eProwl schedule planner tool in insidePacific, to plan your schedule and it has the most current information. Read course listings carefully and pay special attention to the information associated with each course. Have alternative courses and sections chosen in case others are not available. You are also encouraged to review the final exam schedule for possible time conflicts or to avoid taking finals back to back.
Meet with your advisor
Meeting with your primary advisor for course planning and to clear your advisor 'Registration Access Hold' (excluding professional pharmacy)
All continuing students must meet with your advisor for your first declared major prior to registration to plan your courses and to have your advisor 'Registration Access Hold' release each semester.
Clear all holds that prevent registration
Holds are the biggest problem students encounter when trying to register on insidePacific. Holds will prevent you from being able to register! Check on insidePacific (found under Student Services, Student Records, and the View your holds) for any outstanding holds. In addition to an advisor hold which requires you to meet with your faculty advisor prior to removal, below is a few common hold types.
Admission Holds: Any documentation missing from your admission record (final official transcript, official test scores, etc.) will prevent you from registering. Please consult the Office of Admission, email at admissions@pacific.edu or phone (209) 946-2211.
Financial Holds: You will not be able to register until all debts have been paid. Be aware that holds may be placed at any time. Keep your student account current by paying all charges by the assigned date and review it regularly. Student Account Office may be contacted at: studentaccounts@pacific.edu or (209) 946-2517.
Immunization/Insurance Holds: All new students must meet the health requirements as outlined in the admission packet. Students must have submitted all of the above documentation or be cleared by Student Health Services, phone (209) 946-2315).
Library Holds: These holds relate to unpaid balances in the library.
Update your address
Before you register for courses, please verify that your address is current. Students are responsible for mail sent to the address on file. Notify either the Finance Center or the Office of the Registrar of any changes.
Review course prerequisites
Proof of the prerequisite or permission of the instructor is required before being able to register for a course. Overrides for this may be approved.
Check your registration appointment time
You will be able to view your assigned registration appointment two weeks prior to first day of the registration period via insidePacific.
Registration appointments are determined by academic level for graduate students. Undergraduate registration appointments are determined by total units earned (coursework in progress is not counted toward total units earned) within class level in the following order: Post-Baccalaureate, Senior, Junior, Sophomore and Freshmen. If total units earned are equal then it is determined by grade point average--highest being first. Lastly, unclassified students are assigned the last appointment times following freshman.
Note: Students registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities and approved for priority registration and then student-athletes will be assigned priority registration for each class level (e.g. students with junior standing will have priority among juniors, etc.)
Procedure for Registering for Classes
Registering for Classes
Log into insidePacific.
- Click on the Academic tab.
- Click on the Academic Services channel.
- Click on Student Services.
- Click on Registration.
- Click on Select Term (drop down menu) then select appropriate term and submit term.
- Click on Add/Drop.
- Click on Financial Acceptance Acknowledgement (Only first time each semester) Enter your course reference numbers (CRN) for your selected classes in the boxes provided. One CRN per box.
- Click on Submit Changes to process your registration. If registration is successfully completed, it will read 'web reg' on the left side of each course. If you receive any error messages (example: closed classes, time conflicts, link errors, etc.) see Common Error Messages. Once you have completed registering, click on the Refresh icon.
- Click on Student Services.
- Click on Registration.
- Click on Schedule by Day and Time to view your schedule of classes.
Note: To find General Education, Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Film Studies, Gender Studies, and Honors Courses: Click on the first subject and hold down the Shift key as you arrow to the end. Then click the course attribute you are searching for (ex: Film Studies).
Online Registration Common Error Messages
Here are some typical registration error messages, an explanation about what each message means, and what to do if you get a registration error message.
Course Closed
Why you got this message: You tried to register for a course that is already full.
Solution: Use Search for Open Classes to see if there are other sections available and register for a different section; Or, continue to occasionally check insidePacific to see if another student has dropped the course you want and add it if you find an opening; Or, select a different course. If you want to discuss taking a course that is already filled and you have made a good faith attempt to add the course through insidePacific, check with the instructor and academic department that is offering the course. Only instructors/departments can override enrollment limits and many departments do not allow enrollment overrides. If you do obtain permission, the department will authorize you to register online; it is then your responsibility to log back into insidePacific and actually register for the course.
Duplicate Course
Why you got this message: You tried to add a course that is already on your schedule. insidePacific will only let you register for a course one time.
Solution: Drop the course, submit changes. Proceed to add new section.
Maximum Hours Exceeded
Why you got this message: You tried to register for more credits than you are allowed to register for. Maximum course load for an undergraduate/graduate is 18 units. You have exceeded the maximum load.
Solution: Register for the maximum hours that you are able; any student wishing to exceed the 18 unit limit must petition their school/ college. Unit overload fee will be charged to Pacific courses only. This school/college petition requirement for exceeding the 18 unit limit includes those units taken while attending another college or university concurrently with Pacific, continuing education and extension courses.
Restriction Not Met
Why you got this message: Many courses have restrictions that are checked during the registration process. You did not meet the restrictions for the course you attempted to register for. Most common restrictions are:
- Major/Minor (some courses are limited to students in a certain major/minor)
- Class (some courses are limited to students who are junior level or above)
- Level (graduate level courses are restricted to graduate students)
Solution: Check the restrictions as listed in insidePacific"Search for Open Classes" (click on the CRN to view the detailed information about a course). If you do not meet the restriction, you will not be able to register for the class. If you want to discuss taking a course without meeting major or class restrictions, check with the academic department that is offering the course. Only that department can override major and class restrictions. If you obtain permission, the department will authorize you to register online; it is then your responsibility to log back into insidePacific and actually register for the course.
Pre-req or Test Score Error
Why you got this message: Many undergraduate courses have pre-requisites that are checked during the registration process. You did not meet the pre-requisite for the course you attempted to register for.
Solution: Check the pre-requisites as listed in insidePacific "Search for Open Classes" (click on the CRN to view the detailed information about a course). If you do not meet the stated pre-req, you must complete the pre-req before taking the class. If you think you have transfer credit that should clear the pre-req or if you want to discuss registering for a course without having the stated pre-reqs, check with the academic department that is offering the course. Only that department can override the pre-requisites. If you obtain permission, the department will authorize you to register; it is then your responsibility to log back into insidePacific and actually register for the course.
Time Conflict with CRN XXXXX
Why you got this message: You tried to add a course that conflicts with another course already on your schedule.
Solution: Select a different section of the course that you want (one at a different time), or try to rearrange your courses so there is no time conflict or choose a different course. If you want to discuss registering for courses with a time conflict select the course in which the time conflict has been worked out. Have the instructor for this course grant override approval online. Then go into insidePacific and register for the course.
A1/A2 Link Error (Lecture and lab/discussion courses)
Why you got this message: (Possible Case #1) This is a course that has both a lecture and an associated lab or discussion section; you tried to add only one part of the class.
Solution: Choose both a lecture section and a discussion or lab section (choose one from the list directly below the lecture). If using the "Add/Drop Classes" method to register, enter both CRNs and press submit changes. If using the "Search for Open Sections" method to register, click on the box by both the lecture CRN and your choice of lab/discussion, then click on the submit button.
Why you got this message: (Possible Case #2) If one of these sections are closed, you will not be able to add either course.
Solution: Choose another section that is open and add them both at the same time.
Special Approval Errors (Department and Instructor permission courses)
Why you got this message: This course requires permission from department or instructor.
Solution: Only that department or instructor can override major and class restrictions. If you obtain permission, the department will authorize you to register online; it is then your responsibility to log back into insidePacific and actually register for the course.
Variable Credit Courses
It is your responsibility to obtain instructor and/or departmental approval before you change variable credits. insidePacific automatically selects the lowest credit if a class is offered for variable credit. If you wish to change the credits of your class, click on the "highlighted" units under the ' Credits' heading area of the course you want to indicate the correct units to be taken. This will take you to that specific course data where you can type in the correct units to be taken in the 'credit hours' section. Click on Submit Changes
Note: You may change variable credit only in credit-bearing classes. If a variable credit lecture class has a noncredit laboratory, discussion, or activity section associated with it, use the lecture CRN to make credit changes.
Reviewing Your Schedule
You may review and print your term schedule in either a list format, or a grid.
Click on " Next Week" or " Previous Week" buttons to navigate to a future term, or enter a date in the "Date" box. Note: If the term does not begin on a Monday, you will need to click on "next Week" to view your entire schedule (Grid Format Only)
Other Registration Information
Academic Load
The minimum full-time study load for undergraduates is 12 credits and 8 credits for graduate students (this includes international students); the half-time study load for undergraduate is 6 credits and 4 credits for graduate students, except summer.
All students are strongly advised, before registering at less than the regular full-tuition rate, to consider the effects of that registration on their degree progress and on their eligibility for financial aid and awards, visas, deferment of student loans, and residency requirements.
Auditing a Course
Auditing of a course is an option that allows exposure to a course with no course credit or grade given. In order to audit a course, you must obtain approval by both the instructor and the chair of the department in which the course is offered via the Audit a Course Form. Auditing is not available in participation courses such as applied music, physical education, art courses of an applied nature, etc. Courses are eligible to be audited if approved by University shared governance.
Students auditing a course must pay an auditing fee of $50. Courses taken through auditing may not subsequently be converted to a course credit or grade. The student must indicate at the time of registration if they wish to audit a course. However, students may choose to take the course for credit after auditing the course or they may audit a course after previously receiving credit.
Cancelled Course
Occasionally a course may be cancelled and will not be available for registration on the web. If a cancellation occurs after you have registered, you will be dropped from the course and notified by the department/school. You may add another course prior to the add deadline.
Individualized Study Request
Independent Study/Research, Internship, Practicum or non-Engineering Co-op Education.
These courses will be noted with a 'NR' (Not available for registration) status to the left of the generic course listings once you have done a search on the Look up Classes to Add link via insidePacific. You will not be able to add these courses online. You must file an Individualized Study Request Form. See directions below.
Instructions
1. Arrange the course work with the faculty member, determine the appropriate course number (see General Catalog) and course title.
2. Obtain the signature of the faculty member and chairperson or designee of the department and school in which the study will be done.
3. Present this completed form to the Office of the Registrar. The date this completed form is received in the Office of the Registrar is considered the effective date of registration.
Information on Waitlisting
Click here to review Waitlisting Instructions (PDF).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How will I know if my courses will use electronic waitlists?
A: You can view waitlist information in the Schedule of Classes. Please view the "Waitlist Instructions" document for step-by-step details .
Q: Why don't all classes participate?
A: Our use of automatic waitlisting is still fairly new, and we are working to expand the number of classes that can take advantage of this functionality.
Q: When does waitlisting begin?
A: For participating classes, waitlisting begins when registration opens. Waitlists will remain open through the the last day to add classes (on the academic calendar).
Q: If I am on the waitlist for a class, can I count on being able to enroll in this class?
A: No! If a class is full and you put your name on the waitlist, you will only be able to enroll in the class if enough spots open up. Make sure you have a back-up plan in case you don't get into the class (i.e. register for another section of the same class to ensure you have a spot if needed). Please consult your advisor to develop such a plan.
Q: If I am on a waitlist, do those units count towards my enrollment status?
A: No. Only classes in which you are registered, not including waitlisted courses, count towards your enrollment. If you need to be full-time enrolled, make sure you are registered in sufficient units. If the Add period closes and you have not enrolled in the class, you will stay below full-time enrolled. For more information on enrollment and unit loads, please see the academic catalog, under "Course Loads."
Q: If I am on the waitlist, how will I be notified that a spot has opened for me?
A: You will receive an email from waitlisting@pacific.edu. From the time of that email, you will have 48 hours (before the semester starts) or 24 hours (after the first day of the semester) to log into insidePacific and register for the course. Note that waitlisting@pacific.edu cannot receive mail, so do not reply or send messages to that address. The 48 or 24-hour window includes all hours of the day and all days of the year. If you miss the window, your spot will automatically become available to the next student on the waitlist.
Q: Can I add myself to the waitlist for a class that has a time conflict with another class I am registered for?
A: Yes, you can. However, you will not be able to register for classes that have a time conflict. If you are on the waitlist for a class that conflicts with a class you are registered for, you will only be able to enroll from the waitlist if you drop the original class.
Q: Can I add myself to the waitlist for multiple sections of the same course?
A: Yes, you can. However, you will not be able to register for multiple sections of the same course. If you are on the waitlist for one section of a course, and are also registered for another section of the course, you will only be able to enroll from the waitlist if you drop the original section. We encourage you to register for another section of the course, to ensure you have a spot if you need to.
Q: Can I add myself to the waitlist if I am missing a pre-requisite?
A: No, you must have the necessary pre-requisites for the class in order to be added to the waitlist.
Q: What if I have a hold? If I'm on a waitlist and I see the email that I can enroll in the class, what will happen if I have a hold?
A:You will not be able to register for the class if you have a hold. If you receive the email that you can enroll in classes, and your hold is not resolved within sufficient time to allow you to register within the 48 hours (before the semester starts) or 24 hours (after the first day of the semester) of receiving the waitlist email, you will not be able to register for the course. We encourage you to keep a close eye on your holds so that you do not miss your window due to a hold. Information on how to view your holds is below.
Q: How do I check my holds?
A: To see whether you have a registration hold on your record, log into insidePacific and take the following steps:
- From the Academic Tab, click on Academic Services
- Select Registration
- Select "Check Your Registration Status"
- Select the registration term
- Check the "View Holds" tab to view any registration holds on your record.