The Spire

Kaitlyn Richards ‘29

Chief News Editor

At the College of the Holy Cross, students are currently preparing for the spring semester, with course registration providing an opportunity to plan academic schedules and select classes for the upcoming term. At the College, the enrollment process involves meeting with academic advisors, reviewing degree requirements, and registering for courses through the Student Academic Record System (STAR). Registration takes place in multiple stages, giving students designated opportunities to select courses and make adjustments before classes begin.

Before students can begin registering for courses, they are placed on an “advising hold.” In a message sent to the student body, the Office of the Registrar explains that “to have the hold removed, you must meet with your advisor(s).” These meetings ensure students receive academic guidance to stay on track as they work toward completing major, minor, and common area requirements. Double majors or students with a minor must meet with both of their academic advisors in each of their fields of study before registering for courses. Advisors can help students evaluate their progress toward graduation, identify courses that fulfill multiple requirements, and explore classes that align with their academic interests.

Students are encouraged to review their remaining academic requirements before meeting with their advisors to make the most of these appointments. Preparing a list of potential courses and alternatives can also help students build schedules that accommodate their academic goals and other commitments. Spring class schedules are currently available through the Registrar’s page on Ignite as well as through their STAR accounts. As some courses have prerequisites or limited enrollment, students may need to consider alternatives when planning their schedules.

Once students meet with their advisor, the hold is lifted, and they can begin searching for courses in the Student Academic Record System (STAR). Additionally, students must enter the system to “accept the Financial Responsibility Agreement in STAR prior to enrollment” to ensure a smooth enrollment day.

The enrollment process is divided into three stages. During the first stage, students have the opportunity to register for two courses for the following semester. During the second stage, students register for their remaining two courses to complete their initial schedules. First-year students will enroll in only one course during the second stage because the Registrar will automatically enroll them in the second session of their Montserrat course.

The staged system establishes designated registration periods for students based on their expected graduation terms. Students should confirm their assigned dates and registration windows before enrollment begins, as each class year has a different schedule.

Enrollment dates vary by expected graduation term. Students graduating in spring or fall 2027 will register during Stage 1 on Monday, Nov. 9, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Stage 2 on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 7 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.

Students graduating in spring or fall 2028 will register during Stage 1 on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Stage 2 on Friday, Nov. 13, from 7 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.

For students graduating in spring or fall 2029, Stage 1 will take place Monday, Nov. 16, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by Stage 2 on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 7 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.

Students graduating in spring or fall 2030 will register during Stage 1 on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Stage 2 on Friday, Nov. 20, from 7 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.

Stage 3 open enrollment will begin Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 8 a.m. and continue through Monday, Feb. 1, at 11:59 p.m. All registration times are in Eastern Time.

Although students will have additional opportunities to adjust their schedules during open enrollment, they should still plan and complete the earlier stages within their assigned windows. Reviewing course offerings, meeting with advisors, and completing the necessary steps in STAR can help students prepare for enrollment.

The College will distribute additional information about the enrollment process before registration begins. Students can consult communications from the Office of the Registrar for further instructions and updates regarding course selection and enrollment deadlines.