When registration is concentrated into a short period in advance of the starting of
classes, there is likely to be a high percentage of advance registrations, which means
less confusion on opening nights. Also, concentration makes possible the more deficient
use of the personnel, clerical and advisory. It has certain disadvantages, however,
including the greater inconvenience to enrollees, more waiting lines, and more ten~
deney to hurry the process of registration. In addition, there will always be a large
percentage of people who will not come in to register before the opening night any-
way. o
/Vhen registration is permitted any time during working hours, including certain
evening hours, for a week or two prior to the start of the term, the adult -students will
be able to come in at a time more convenient to them. The process is likely to be less
hurried and more informal, and there will probably be less waiting. This system,
however, involves the scheduling of more staff time for registration. The experience in
institutions following this policy has been that about one half ot~ he total enrollments
take place in advance of the opening night (with plenty of urging in the literature to
“enroll in advance, save time, and be sure of a place"). Most of the remaining enroll-
ments occur during the first weelc but there are some stragglers as long as three weeks
after the opening date.
Registration by Mall
A number of programs pennit students to register simply by sending in a written
request accompanied by a check or money order. It is difiicult to understand how the
evils arising when students are not properly counseled can be avoided if this practice
is followed. Several program directors report that the percentage of dropouts and
complaints is considerably higher among students who register by mail than it is among
those who register personally.