USC MSW Student Concerns About Registration

We, the undersigned USC School of Social Work students, are concerned about the fairness and efficiency of the registration process at our school. We have noted several common concerns based on feedback received from students. We are asking that the School of Social Work review the following concerns and suggestions, and take action to improve the registration process for next year.

1. Registration has been scheduled during final exams and also at block times, causing stress for students and strain on the University's computer system. One suggestion that could make the process more fair is assigning students random, staggered registration times prior to the University's final exams period. Having students register at staggered times might also lessen the possibility of technical malfunction.

2. Students have been told that the School of Social Work does not accommodate instructor preference. However, some students report having been allowed to move into their preferred instructors' sections on a case-by-case basis via the manual registration process that took place after the Web registration. This process does not allow students equal opportunities for choice. Additionally, electives in concentration years are not guaranteed. As graduate students, we believe we should have more input toward our educational trajectories, particularly in regard to who our instructors are. We are asking the administration to examine future schedules, particularly with regard to instructor availability, and devise a system that will better meet student needs and preferences in a way that is fair to all students.

3. Students have reported being moved from one section of a class to another without prior notification. We are requesting more consistent communication with the Registrar and the School of Social Work administration so that we may better understand the registration process and our rights. A standardized, transparent, and dependable process for registration and for schedule revisions is needed so that students can trust that they will be able to register for classes before their tuition for the semester is paid, and that their schedules will not change without notice.

4. Lastly, we understand that some persistent problems with registration are University-wide. We rely on the School of Social Work to represent social work students to the University. It is our hope that the School of Social Work administration will advocate for a better registration process for its graduate students. Also, we suggest creating a student liaison position to advocate on behalf of the Social Work students to the University with regard to registration.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and eagerly await your response.