First-year students find registration problematic

by Amy Gassen

staff writer

Hushed grunts and grumbles were heard on campus last week during Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31. Though commonly heard in the gym during a sporting event, this time the noises were coming from the opposite side of the Dixon Center parking lot.

The registrar's office, which sits in the heart of Grace Hall, was beating steadily with first-year students struggling to schedule classes for the Fall 2000 semester.

Traditionally, the more credits you have, the sooner you are able to schedule. Seniors and juniors are the first to register, followed by sophomores. Lastly, the first-year students get a chance to create their schedules. Two days are allocated for each class and the first letter of the students' last name assigns each student which day he or she will register.

Stacey Lawson, first-year student, stated, "I think that because of my last name that I should not be penalized to when I can schedule."

Commenting on the alphabetical way of scheduling, John Verdi, first year student, stated, "This semester was fine because I got all my classes, but last semester I had problems because I was the last time slot to register."

"We rotate the alphabet each semester so everybody has a fair chance," stated Camille Tinney, administrative assistant in the registrar's office. Prerequisites to registration could be found in the Fall 2000 class schedule booklet. The instructions entailed copying down the course number listed below the course, and in obtaining an adviser's signature.

Mike Huth, first-year student, stated, "Overall, reg- istration runs smoothly if the students know what they are doing, but it's hard when students forget to get signatures and it takes awhile to go through. I am very impatient."

Tinney stated, "I though it went well and I thought the students thought it went well. The last day there is always a problem with the classes being closed." If your heart is really set on a class, Tinney advises to "get a signature from the professor." Additionally, the registrar offers help in selecting compatible classes to fill schedules.

The first-year students of this year will soon be moving up the totem pole to the coveted sophomore position. Then, these students will no longer be on the bottom of the scheduling list.

Rachel Angeloni, a junior, offers her advice. She said, "Hang in there. The first year is the hardest. After that, you won't run into many problems."

Students who are parents learn to juggle different priorities

by Terry Cipollini staff writer

The alarm clock intrudes on Lisa's sleep as she blindly slaps at the box to stop the noise. It's 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning and she is already looking for- ward to the weekend. hesitant to get out of bed as his mother was, and even more reluctant to leave his favorite Pokemon pajamas. Eventually they come to a compromise and are ready to leave the house by 6:45 a.m. to practice by 5:20 p.m. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Lisa stays at work late to make up for the time she leaves early.

Day at her son's school. The pride Sammy showed in his face and his smile for his mom, "the student," is just one of the things that keeps her motivated.

"It sounds confusing, but after a while you get a routine going," said Boyle.

Heading Back

Cabrini.

This is the start of a typical day for adult student Lisa Boyle, a sophomore education major at Lisa will proceed to take her shower before waking her fouryear-old son, Sammy. He is as

A day in the life of adult students is hectic; they are always running somewhere to get something done. The importance of juggling priorities becomes an art form. Being a parent is one of the most important jobs a person will ever have and being a student can be very time consuming. The adult student. has to blend these two responsibilities. "You just have to keep going. Sometimes it's hard, but you find a way," Boyle said.

Recently she attended Career

Lisa takes Sammy to Kindercare, where he eats his breakfast before beginning his school day.

Lisa proceeds to Cabrini where she spends two hours studying before she starts classes. After completing her morning classes, Lisa makes the hurried drive to her job in King of Prussia. Her schedule at this point varies according to the day of the week.

As all mothers know, children need creative and energy releasing outlets. For Sammy this comes in the form of karate. On Monday and Wednesday, Lisa leaves work early to get Sammy

Evenings for Lisa and Sammy are just as full as their days. They usually arrive home around 6:30 p.m. depending on traffic, how much time they spend at the grocery store and any other errands that need to be done. While Lisa is preparing dinner, Sammy sits at the table doing homework, with some help from Mom. Then Sammy sets the table for dinner. "That's his chore. He likes to feel like he's helping out," said Boyle.

Every other night is bath night; this is time for Lisa to do some house cleaning while Sammy plays in the tub. "Although I can get some work done, I prefer the other nights because we get to spend the time together on the couch," Boyle said. "That's the other down side. Sometimes I feel guilty about not spending more time with him."

The night is winding down and Sammy is thrilled to be back in his Pokemon pajamas. He goes to bed and Lisa has time to herself, but not completely, because it's back to the books. "I'll study as much as I can, but 5:30 comes awfully fast,'' Boyle said.