Course Registration Waitlist

Steps to register for a waitlist

If a course is closed and the section offers a waitlist option, you can add yourself to the waitlist in PATH. The steps are outlined below and are available on the PATH Waitlist Guide for Students (pdf).

• Search for and add the course to your primary cart
• When prompted, select "Yes" from the drop-down menu for the "Add to Waitlist if Class is Full" option and select "Save Changes"
• Select "Submit Schedule" then "Submit Registration"
• PATH will display the following message if your waitlist registration is successful: "You have been added to the waitlist for this class"

Once you have successfully added yourself to a waitlist, your primary cart will display the course with an hourglass symbol. Additionally, in the "Registration Notes" section of the course details for that CRN, a message indicating "You are on the waitlist for this section" will display. You are successfully in line for this course. 

Steps to remove yourself from a waitlist

If you no longer wish to be on the waitlist for a course, you can remove your waitlist registration whenever your time ticket is active.

• In PATH, open your primary cart and select the waitlisted course
• Select the Remove from Waitlist button at the bottom of the course details panel
• Select ok when the "drop request" message appears
• The cart contents panel will show a red line next to the course you are removing
• Select Submit Schedule then Submit Registration
• A confirmation message will display indicating: "You have been removed from the waitlist for this class"

Waitlist position

Your waitlist position is available in PATH. In the "Registration Notes" section of the course details for a waitlisted CRN, a message indicating "You are on the waitlist for this section in position: #" will display. Additionally, using your cursor to hover over the hourglass symbol in your primary cart will display the same message. Your waitlist position will update as students ahead of you move through the waitlist process.

How will I be notified that a seat has opened for me?

A notification email will be sent to your W&M email address when you are offered a seat from the waitlist, so check your email at least daily. The email will tell you how long you have to register for the class. The open seat is reserved solely for you for the time outlined in your notification email. Once your window has expired, you cannot add the course.

If you take no action or fail to register for the open seat during your notification window, you will be dropped from the waitlist and the next student on the waitlist will be notified of the open seat. The Registrar's Office (or instructor) cannot add you back to the top of the waitlist or provide you additional time to register for the course. 

How long do I have once I receive a waitlist email offering me an open seat?

The deadline to register for the course in PATH registration will be listed in the notification email for your reference. Make sure to check your W&M email at least daily and take action before your notification window expires.

Can I add myself to a waitlist if the course is not full yet?

No. If a course has not reached capacity, you will not be able to waitlist the course. 

Do the same course restrictions apply? What if I have a hold on my account when I get a waitlist seat notification?

You must meet any prerequisites and most other course restrictions to waitlist. Exception: You can waitlist a course that may have a time conflict with another course on your schedule, and co-requisite courses are not enforced at the waitlist level. However, remember that all course restrictions will be enforced when you attempt to register for the course if you are offered a seat from the waitlist.

Any registration holds on your account will prevent you from registering for a course or an open seat that is offered to you from the waitlist. Make sure to clear any holds immediately. Waitlist seat notification windows cannot be extended.

I can't get on the waitlist. Why?

There could be several reasons:

• Not all courses offer a waitlist option
• The waitlist may have reached its capacity
• You may not meet pre-requisite or other restrictions
  • Exception: time conflicts and some co-requisites are not enforced at the waitlist level, but will be enforced if you are offered a seat off the waitlist and attempt to register for the course

How are students prioritized on the waitlist?

Students are added on a first-come, first-served basis. 

How do I know my place in line on the waitlist?

Your waitlist position is available in PATH in the "Registration Notes" section of the course details for a waitlisted CRN. A message indicating "You are on the waitlist for this section in position: #" will display. Additionally, using your cursor to hover over the hourglass symbol in your primary cart will display a message indicating your waitlist position. Your position number will update as students ahead of you move through the waitlist process.

How many sections of a course can I waitlist?

You can waitlist multiple sections of the same course (if the waitlist is available for those sections).

I have chosen another section and do not want to be on the waitlist anymore. Can I remove myself from a waitlist?

If you are no longer interested in the course, you can drop yourself from the waitlist whenever your registration time ticket is active.

• Log into PATH and open your primary cart for the term
• Select the CRN, then select “Remove from Waitlist” from the course details panel
• Select "Submit Schedule" then "Submit Registration"

If you want to get back on the waitlist after dropping from it, you may do so if the waitlist is still active and space is still available. However, remember that you will be placed at the end of the waitlist

I didn't see the email notification and missed my registration window for the waitlist! Can I get back on the top of the list?

No. You must check your W&M email address at least daily, especially if you have added yourself to a waitlist. If the waitlist is still available, you can add yourself back through PATH, but you will be at the end of the waitlist.

Am I guaranteed a seat from the waitlist?

No. A seat on the waitlist does not guarantee that you will be able to register for the course. Students should always seek other course or section options to fulfill their program and schedule needs.

Does the waitlist operate when the campus or administrative offices are closed?

Yes. A waitlist notification can be sent to you on any day of the week while your registration time ticket is active. Make sure you check your W&M email account at least daily if you are on a waitlist so you do not miss your opportunity should you be offered a seat in a course.