Add Codes in the Foster School of Business
The most common and obvious reason a student is unable to register is that the class is full. In this instance, you should continue with registration attempts during Registration Periods 1 and 2, since seats often become available as students make adjustments to their schedules. You should also consider finding alternate courses. Academic advisers can help you.
If your intended class selection is full, contacting the faculty member is not the most effective next step. Please recognize that faculty receive, in some cases literally, hundreds of emails and cannot always respond.
Depending on your status, you might lack the ability to register in other situations. Please read carefully below. If you have questions, you are welcome to see an adviser in the Foster School Undergraduate Programs Office (UPO) in 137 Mackenzie Hall.
Information for/ about:
Business School students:
Students who are admitted to the Business School may experience registration restrictions through a variety of circumstances, including:
- missing a prerequisite/co-requisite, which can include grade minimums
- not holding the appropriate class status (such as junior or senior standing)
- not being enrolled in an option or special program (e.g. Finance, Marketing, Honors, etc.)
- attempting to repeat a non-repeatable class (consult a UPO adviser)
In most cases, these restrictions are binding, with faculty having ultimate authority. Students who wish to request an exception should attend the first day of class to speak with the instructor.
Pre-major, Pre-business and other non-Business students:
Students who are not yet admitted to the Foster School or do not intend to apply may experience registration restrictions through a variety of circumstances, including:
- not holding the appropriate class status (e.g. Lower Division Core Courses require sophomore standing [45 or more credits]; no exceptions to this restriction)
- not being an admitted Business School student (e.g. most upper division Business School courses)
- missing a prerequisite/co-requisite, which can include grade minimums
- attempting to repeat a non-repeatable class (consult a UPO adviser)
In most cases, these restrictions are binding and cannot be circumvented. When courses are restricted to Busineess School students only, exceptions are sometimes granted by faculty on the first day of class. Students may attend the first day to ask for entry, but should not assume entry is guaranteed -- even if there is space in the class.
Students seeking entry into Upper Division Core Courses prior to being admitted to the Business School should recognize that completion of these courses will not increase the likelihood of admission to our program.
Exchange students and visiting scholars:
Exchange students and visiting scholars may experience registration restrictions through a variety of circumstances. However, since the programs are unique, students in this category should call 206-685-3400 to schedule an appointment with a UPO adviser to discuss registration.
Non-matriculated students:
To register for many Foster School courses (including the majority of upper division coursework) non-matriculated students must use the appropriate non-matriculated student registration form and obtain the signature of the faculty member who teaches the course, as well as the signature of the Department.
Graduate students:
Most undergraduate courses are restricted to undergraduate students until the first week of class. Graduate students who wish to take an undergraduate course should plan on attending the first day of class to discuss the possibility of enrollment.
ACCTG 199, ACCTG 301, BA 390, MGMT 430H, MGMT 490:
Note that the UPO is responsible for the add and drop codes of a limited number of courses, including Acctg 199, Acctg 301/BCMU 302, BA 390 (honors seminar), Mgmt 430H (honors capstone), and Mgmt 490 (FRAP and EAG seminars).
General Tips:
If you are prohibited from registration and feel it is incorrect, you may seek information from a UPO adviser in Mackenzie 137.
If you are not eligible or able to add a course during Registration Period 1 and/or 2 due to any of the above reasons but still want to attempt to gain entry, you should attend the first meeting of the course. You should approach the faculty member to determine how or if they will be distributing add codes. Please note that distribution of these codes during Period 3 (the first days of the quarter) is at the discretion of the faculty member.
Students who are not enrolled in the course but are attending with the hope to adding the class should come to class prepared, including reading assigned materials and doing all homework. This way if you are able to gain entry into the class you will not be behind.
You should always plan a full schedule of classes, as students are not guaranteed to receive add codes for entry into any given course. You should never simply “leave a space” on your schedule, assuming you will gain entry into a class. Advisers in the UW Business School UPO can assist you in selecting other course options, but cannot enroll you into a full class or override restrictions except in cases of errors.
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