Plan ahead for registration - The Rider Newspaper

Registration for Fall 2025 at UTRGV is around the corner, and students are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred classes and avoid late fees, according to a university official.

Vanessa Maldonado, director of Student Service Centers and Scholarships, said the university provides several reminders about registration deadlines, including emails, campus TV ads and the academic calendar.

“We send at least two to three emails to students to make sure they’re aware that registration is open and to encourage them to complete it as soon as possible,” Maldonado said.

Despite these efforts, many students wait until their current semester is over before thinking about the next one, which can lead to challenges in getting the courses they need.

“By then, many classes have already filled up, and students have to be put on a waitlist,” she said. “You have to be on it to register early to make sure that you get the classes you need and are able to build the schedule that you want.”

Finance senior Daniela Flores, who has experienced issues with degree requirements and special approvals, said students should plan ahead on ASSIST.

“Get some classes that you want in your plan ahead, and you press a button, and they’ll automatically be added,” Flores said. “And if you have a problem, like, you need special approval, make another schedule just in case with different classes that you can take.”

The Academic Advising Center is located inside the International Trade & Technology Building on the Edinburg campus and in Main Building Room 1.402 on the Brownsville campus. Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER — *The Academic Advising Center is located inside the International Trade & Technology Building on the Edinburg campus and in Main Building Room 1.402 on the Brownsville campus.*
**Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER**

Students looking for guidance on registration can also attend the UTRGV College of Liberal Arts Registration Showcase, which will take place on Tuesday at the Music, Science and Learning Center lobby area on the Brownsville campus and on Thursday at the Quad on the Edinburg campus.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days and allows students to explore what Liberal Arts programs have to offer.

“We call it the registration showcase, and this is a college event for the College of Liberal Arts,” said Sheila Dooley, associate dean for Undergraduate Education and one of the event organizers. “It is held one to two weeks before registration opens for the next semester so that students can find out what’s being offered in the programs.”

Some students taking programs in other colleges find out about the offerings and even change majors according to Dooley.

“A lot of times students don’t really know what liberal arts is or it’s just not on their radar,” said the associate dean. “It’s easy to know what a computer scientist does, or a biologist or a nurse. But sometimes people don’t realize that lawyers are trained here in liberal arts. Or communication for advertising in mass media. And so, it’s a kind of information clearing house for every student and we hope we’ll get a big turn out this year.”

Students who register late also risk additional costs, according to Maldonado.

Students walk down the Science Building hallways after class March 11 on the Edinburg campus. Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER — *Students walk down the Science Building hallways after class March 11 on the Edinburg campus.*
**Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER**

“Depending on how late you register, there is a late registration fee that can be assessed on a student’s account,” she said. “You don’t have to wait for Spring grades to be posted. Go ahead; enroll now.”

Students experiencing issues with registration can seek help from U Central, located in The Tower in the Main Building on the Brownsville campus and in the first floor of the Student Services Building on the Edinburg campus.

“They can always stop by any one of the U Central locations,” Maldonado added. “They can also call our U Central phone line, which is 956-882-4026. They can email U Central as well, which is ucentral@utrgv.edu.”

Flores recommends students to reach out for early advising to avoid last-minute issues.

“I send an email to [Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship] advising before registering, and they respond quickly with a list of recommended courses,” she said.

The Academic Advising Center is located in the International Trade & Technology Building on the Edinburg campus and in Main Building Room 1.402 on the Brownsville campus.