For those of us who are not graduating in December, it is that time of year again for class registration. To those of you who are graduating, congratulations! You are no longer required to check the Blugold system thousands of times to see if someone has dropped a class. There are no more endless trips to the business office to pay your tuition. And, of course, there are no more endless degree audits to decipher.

For the rest of you: It is very important that you carefully read your degree audit! Making sure that you understand which classes you are required to take for your degree could save you a semester of classes. Be sure to check, and double check, the general education requirements that you have. If you have changed your catalogue year, you may have different requirements than you did previously.

Remember that, if you are classified as a freshman or sophomore, you must meet with your advisor and get a PAC code from them. And don't forget to pay your $100 deposit at least 24 hours before registering! (This goes for everyone.)

Class lists are available in printed booklets, online on the Blugold system and (my favorite) off of the UW-Eau Claire homepage. The web based class lists are updated nightly, and I guarantee to be your best guide.

When choosing classes, it is always helpful to make a schedule of your developing class hours. Don't overload yourself. Register for only what you feel you can handle, and remember, the professors are here to educate you. If you have questions about the workload of an individual course, don't be afraid to e-mail them and ask.

If you don't get into that class you were hoping for, don't panic; keep watching the Blugold system for seats to open up. Even if you don't have all of the classes you want when we return from winter break, there is no need to get upset. The first week of classes, many people find that what they signed up for is not what they really wanted, and will drop the course.

If a course is filled, e-mail the professor and ask for an overload or just go to the class the first day and see if you can't get in. Most professors are willing to overload someone in the class if they really want it. (And especially if you need it to graduate!) Good Luck to all of you registering in the upcoming weeks and congratulations to the seniors graduating in December!