THE ISSUE: University fails to notify students of UIS change
WHAT WE THINK: Lapse increases registration frustration
Registering for courses is already a taxing, somewhat frustrating, endeavor. Students race against time, desperately trying to enroll in all their desired courses before someone else snatches them up while using a borderline archaic computer program. But this year, Boston College made the process that much more of an ordeal by neglecting to inform students that they would have to download a new version of BC UIS.
Luckily, not all were affected. Students who registered from a computer in the library or the CTRC, where the program was already installed, had no such problems. For those using their personal laptops - especially those who woke up early simply for registration's sake - this proved an unnecessary inconvenience.
The root of the problem has less to do with the archaic program and more to do with a lack of communication between the University and its students. A simple e-mail explaining the slight change would have prevented confusion, annoyance, and, ultimately, frustration.
Course registration is already a hectic process, especially with the out-of-date UIS system. Once again, the administration's lack of consideration caused undue stress for students. Communication, or the lack thereof, has consistently been a primary complaint of students. To date, we've seen little response from the administration.
We are told that if tragedy strikes, the University will be quick to disseminate information, but the University needs to make a concerted effort to change day-to-day communications.
In the unreliable world of technology, it is irresponsible and unfair for the University to fail to inform its students of the need to download the UIS software. This lack of communication hurts students - again.
2008 Woodie Awards
