Prior to online registration, students had no choice but to see their advisors - in person - to obtain a signature of approval, before waiting in line outside Eaton to register. But with the inception of online registration last spring, neither personal visits nor waiting on lines is necessary.
Many students felt that the old registration process unnecessarily took time out of their chaotic schedules - time which could have better been spent elsewhere. Now, students can simply go online at their convenience - once their registration time has passed, of course - and complete the entire registration process by computer. Registration still requires advisor approval for class choices, but this is done through electronic approval posting. Students do not necessarily need to set up meetings with their advisors every semester to register for classes.
No one seems to doubt that allowing students to register for classes online saves time. But some students and faculty are concerned that online registration prevents a one-on-one relationship between students and advisors.
Some students, such as freshman Mike Blea, argue that if students don't have to go in person to meet with their advisors, they will fail to develop personal relationships. Subsequently, students won't talk to their advisors openly about their problems.
Blea isn't completely against the idea, though. "I think [phone meetings are] fine as long as the advisor is okay with it," he said.
Advisor and Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Steve Chapra wouldn't even consider approving a student's schedule without a face-to-face meeting. While the approval process can technically be completed by telephone, Chapra doesn't know of any professor that posts approval without physically seeing his or her students. "What's the point?" he asked. "You could just be a machine."
Chapra also believes that advisors are needed for more than just class selection. For example, his department often helps coach upperclassmen through the job process.
While junior Justin Lewis has yet to ask his advisor for job help, he would still prefer to have a meeting every semester. "I always go and see [my advisor] - just to see what he thinks about what classes I'm taking," he said.
And though many students agree that they can complete the whole advisor approval process over the phone, few actually choose that option. "I've never heard anyone actually call their advisor for their approval," freshmen Dave Metz said.
If someone has important questions about classes, Metz thinks they should take the time to meet with their advisors personally. But those without registration questions do not have to waste time meeting with their advisor. "Students will go to their advisor if they needed help, so the issue is irrelevant," Metz said.
This is especially true for students who have not yet declared a major. Since advisors and incoming freshmen are randomly paired, some say it is pointless to meet with an advisor who doesn't have any knowledge about his or her advisee's academic interests.
Regardless, most advisors still require personal meetings, and have not changed their ways with the advent of online registration.
And most students, such as freshmen Mark Tilki, say that online registration as good system. "It's definitely beneficial for Tufts since it saves time and makes everything much easier for all," he said.
