Preparing for Registration

Advanced preparation makes for a smoother, less stressful registration experience. It is not necessary to wait until registration appointments are assigned to begin planning for the upcoming term.

Ways to Prepare for Registration

Know degree requirements.
Review CUNYfirst account for Service Indicators (holds).
Consult with advisers early.
Declare a major (undergraduate students).
Address transfer credit issues (including applying courses to a second degree).
Review course offerings for prerequisites and necessary permissions.
Keep e-mail accounts current.

Know Degree Requirements

Students can view their degree requirements and explore the requirements of academic majors through DegreeWorks, an easy-to-use self-advisement tool available 24 hours a day / seven days a week through the CUNY portal.

DegreeWorks Tip: If you are undecided about or have not declared a major, utilize the "What if Feature" to explore the requirements of different majors.

Instruction sheet: Accessing DegreeWorks (pdf)
Resources sheet: DegreeWorks Quick Facts (pdf)

Students should also familiarize themselves with the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins contain all academic regulations, information, departments, degree requirements for each major, courses, and course details. There are separate bulletins for undergraduate and graduate divisions.

Review CUNYfirst Account for Service Indicators (Holds)

Service indicators (holds) can sometimes prevent enrollment activities. Reviewing your CUNYfirst account for service indicators well in advance of registration will allow for time to resolve any issues that may prevent registration, or clarify any procedures that may be related to certain academic programs. To view active service indicators in CUNYfirst, navigate to Self Service > Student Center, look for "Holds" in a blue box, and click on "Details." The details will provide information on which department to contact. CUNYfirst provides more detailed instructions on viewing and resolving holds.

Consult With Advisers Early

Did you know that offices and departments are generally far less busy beginning in the third week of any semester? There is no reason to wait until registration time to see an adviser; in fact, it is preferable that you do not. During registration, advisers become booked very quickly, but if you go early, you can avoid the crowds. Even if you think you have it all figured out, a quick conversation with an adviser could reassure you that you are on the correct path, highlight options and alternatives you have not thought of, and address any questions.

For General Undergraduate Advisement

The Center for Academic Advisement and Student Success assists undergraduate students in establishing, monitoring, and achieving graduation requirements. The center's website provides more information, hours of operation, and appointment options.

3207 Boylan Hall
P: 718.951.5471
E: caass@brooklyn.cuny.edu

For Major, Minor, Program, or Departmental Advisement for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Students should always consult with an academic departmental adviser. All academic departments offer advisement for both undergraduate and graduate students. Consult these links for detailed information:

Declare a Major

All degree-seeking undergraduate students must declare a major no later than the semester in which the combination of credits earned and credits for which they currently are registered total 60 or greater. This is especially important for financial aid recipients. Most majors can be declared online through the BC WebCentral Portal:

Log in to the BC WebCentral Portal.
Select the "eServices" tab.
Select "Student Transactions."
Select "Declare or Change your major, minor, or concentration."
Click on "Start Application."
Follow on-screen instructions.

Address Transfer Credit Issues

Transfer credit is commonly (but not limited to) credit from other colleges, high school college bridge programs, and high school Advanced Placement testing. Outstanding transfer credit issues can have an impact on enrollment by affecting academic level and prerequisite fulfillment.

Students seeking a second bachelor's degree will receive a maximum of 90 blanket or elective credits. To request specific relevant courses from a first bachelor's degree be applied to the record of a second degree, students must complete the Second Bachelor's Degree Transfer Credit Request Form.

For more information and questions regarding transfer credit issues, visit the Transfer Student Services Center website.

Review Course Offerings for Prerequisites and Necessary Permissions

The Schedule of Classes is available through CUNYfirst. Although course information becomes available as soon as it is entered into CUNYfirst, an e-mail announcement will go out when the next semester's schedule is complete.

To view the Schedule of Classes: log in to CUNYfirst > Enterprise Menu > HR/Campus Solutions > Self Service > Student Center > "Search for Classes" button (upper-right corner). Once the search criteria is entered, click on the section of the class you are interested in (it is a link). Detailed course information will be displayed. CUNYfirst provides more detailed instructions on accessing/using the Schedule of Classes. Also, visit the page How to Search for Classes in CUNYfirst.

For courses that require departmental permission, visit the academic department that is offering the course.

Keep E-mail Accounts Current; Stay Connected

E-mail is the primary method of communicating all registration information, so it is important that students keep e-mail addresses current. Brooklyn College assigns every student a Brooklyn College e-mail account. You can claim this account, and address other e-mail issues, on the BC WebCentral Portal. Once logged in, look for the section titled "5 Ways to Stay Connected." It is here that students can also elect to receive text messages from Brooklyn College. For assistance with Brooklyn College e-mail or WebCentral, call 718.951.HELP (4357).

E-mail addresses can also be maintained in CUNYfirst: Self Service > Personal Information > E-mail addresses.