Permission numbers and course access

What to do if you experience a prerequisite registration error or want to register for a closed class.

You may be considering making changes to your current schedule but find that a section is full. Or you may have received an error message that you cannot register for a course because you do not meet the prerequisites, even though you completed the prerequisite courses. We thought it would be helpful to provide you with some information on how to request permission numbers. 

Each College of Science and Engineering academic department handles access to their courses differently. 

For instance, introductory physics courses open in increments throughout the registration period to ensure balanced sections. Openings usually appear due to student cancellations, additional seats added, or reserved seats returned to general registration, so you should check the website frequently.

On the other hand, all available seats in introductory chemistry courses are immediately open at the start of the registration period. Like physics, you should continue to check the website if you cannot get into a specific section and adjust your enrollment if a seat becomes available. Permission numbers are not provided.

Some departments provide permission numbers for closed courses and some only provide permission numbers for prerequisite registration errors. 

Several departments have established specific guidelines for requesting access to their courses. Because it is at the academic department's discretion as to whether or not they grant you access to a closed course, it's important to know their preferred method for requesting permission.

If you are given a permission number please visit One Student Services' page for step by step instructions on how to add a class with a permission number.

Keep in mind that registration changes are frequent during this time, and you could get into your desired course with a little patience and perseverance. If you have exhausted all avenues and access to the course will not be an option, you should connect with your academic advisor to discuss additional possibilities.

If it is a particular section you are trying to get into is closed, but another open section works with your schedule, it is recommended that you register for the open available section. There are classes CSE students need in order to continue in different sequences (example: chemistry, math, physics, etc.), so getting a spot, even if not your ideal time, is important so you do not potentially put yourself behind in your major curriculum.

While dealing with closed courses and registration errors is not fun, it is something that happens. By having back-up options in place and understanding the steps involved if you need to request access to a closed course, you can handle it like a pro!