Registration FAQs (New Students and Families)

First-Year Student Registration - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Planning a schedule is among the first steps your student will take in getting ready for their first academic year at St. John’s University. We know registration can be intimidating since they’ve never done it before. Don’t worry, though. With your help, we know that together we will help them create a full schedule.    

When will students register for classes for their first semester? 

Beginning this week students started receiving emails that provide them with instructions on registering for classes. The instructions are tailored to their major and so it is important that they follow the instructions to ensure they start on track for success. 

What if my student hasn’t received the email yet? 

There are two waves. The next wave will be sent on Tuesday, May 23. Messages are being sent to both the email they applied to SJU with unless they have updated it and their SJU email. 

Emails are sent in waves to ensure that the experience on the UIS system is as seamless as possible and to ensure that when questions arise the advising team is able to provide personal support to help troubleshoot. 

To ensure equity and assurance that each first-year student is able to take as many of the classes they anticipated in the first year, students who register later in the process at this time will register first in the fall for spring 2024 classes. 

Wait, I thought the first semester schedule was created for the student? 

In response to student preference, self-registration for incoming students was introduced in spring 2022. Self-registration allows students to create their schedule by choosing the days, times, and course themes, if applicable, that they may prefer.  

If a student would prefer their schedule to be created for them, we are happy to help. Students can contact the Academic Advisor listed in their email to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment and together they can create the schedule.  

Additionally, if a student does not create their own schedule, once the deadline for self-registration (June 8) has passed, their First-Year Academic Advisor will automatically create one for them.  

Who is my student’s First-Year Academic Advisor? 

Your student’s First-Year Academic Advisor’s information is included in the email with instructions for registration. Students are encouraged to reach out to them with questions and/or to set up an in-person or virtual appointment. 

Does my student need to take Placement Assessments? 

Only students within certain majors need to take math and/or chemistry placement assessments. Detailed information can be found on our website: https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/centers-institutes/center-student-success/aleksr-assessments  

Math and Chemistry 

• Biology 
• Chemistry 
• Biochemistry 
• Undecided (Bachelor of Science only) 

Chemistry 

• Environmental Science 

Math  

• Computer Science 
• Cyber Security Systems 
• Healthcare Informatics 
• Information Technology 
• Networking and Telecommunications 

Classes are filled, what should my student do? 

Be flexible about the section and the time. If a course your student wants is closed, add something in its place but keep checking the system to see if a seat eventually opens. Throughout the summer, sections and seats within are added based on demand.  

Remember that classes are usually offered multiple times. As a first-year student, even if a class isn’t offered every term or even every year, they have multiple opportunities to take a course if they are trying to choose between two classes offered at the same time. 

If they really want to take a class that is full, have them try to get on the waitlist and reach out to their Academic Advisor to let them know how excited they are about the course. There might be a bit of wiggle room in class capacity or someone else might drop the class, which will make room for them. Remember, however, that there may not be and so they may have to wait until another semester or choose another section. 

How do I get help?  

The Center for Student Success is available at 718-990-5858 to answer questions regarding registration. 

Extended Office Hours through June 8*:  

• Monday, 9am-4:30pm 
• Tuesday through Thursday, 9am-7pm  
• Friday 9am-3pm  

* The University will be closed on Monday, 5/29 and Friday 6/2