Course Registration Waitlist

How can I see if a course is offering a waitlist option?

During the add/drop period for undergraduate students, PATH will display a waitlist count in the course details panel for courses with a waitlist option. "Waitlist Total: # of #" will appear in the top section if the waitlist is enabled for the course.

Steps to register for a course waitlist

If a course is closed and the section offers a waitlist option, you can add yourself to the waitlist in PATH. The steps are outlined below and are available on the PATH Waitlist Guide for Students (pdf).

• Search for and add the course to your primary cart
• When prompted, select "Yes" from the drop-down menu for the Add to Waitlist if Class is Full option and select Save Changes (yes is the default selection)
• Select Submit Schedule and Submit Registration
• PATH will display the following message if your waitlist registration is successful: "You have been added to the waitlist for this class"

Once you have successfully added yourself to a waitlist, your primary cart will display the course with an hourglass symbol. Additionally, in the "Registration Notes" section of the course details for that CRN, a message indicating "You are on the waitlist for this section" will display. You are successfully in line for this course. 

Steps to remove yourself from a waitlist

If you no longer wish to be on the waitlist for a course, you can remove your waitlist registration whenever your time ticket is active.

• Open your primary cart and select the waitlisted course
• Select the Remove from Waitlist button at the bottom of the course details panel
• Select ok when the "drop request" message appears
• The cart contents panel will show a red line next to the course you are removing
• Select Submit Schedule and Submit Registration
• The following confirmation message will display: "You have been removed from the waitlist for this class"

Waitlist position

Your waitlist position is available in PATH. In the "Registration Notes" section of the course details for a waitlisted CRN, a message indicating "You are on the waitlist for this section in position: #" will display. Additionally, using your cursor to hover over the hourglass symbol in your primary cart will display the same message. Your waitlist position will update as students ahead of you move through the waitlist process.

How will I be notified that a seat has opened for me?

A notification email will be sent to your W&M email address when you are offered a seat from the waitlist, so check your email at least daily. The email will tell you how long you have to register for the class. The open seat is reserved solely for you for the time outlined in your notification email. Once your window has expired, you cannot add the course.

If you take no action or fail to register for the open seat during your notification window, you will be dropped from the waitlist and the next student on the waitlist will be notified of the open seat. The Registrar's Office (or instructor) cannot add you back to the top of the waitlist or provide you additional time to register for the course. 

How long do I have once I receive a waitlist email offering me an open seat?

The deadline to register for the course in PATH registration will be listed in the notification email for your reference. Make sure to check your W&M email at least daily and take action before your notification window expires.