First Year Student Registration

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I learn about choosing my courses, and taking online placement tests?

• Go to the Lafayette College homepage (www.lafayette.edu)
• On the homepage, find the “Quick Links” menu
• Click on Class of 2013
• Click on the “ Get Ready to Select Your Fall Semester Courses” link in the center section

In order to help you find the information and guidance you seek, we have provided you with comprehensive online resources including skilled academic advising via email or by phone call.

How do I know if I need to take online placement test(s)?
There are online placement tests in three areas: chemistry, foreign languages, and mathematics.  All students interested in a calculus course must take a placement test.  Similarly, all students planning to take Chemistry 121 must take a placement test.  Language placement tests are also required for students who have studied French, German, or Spanish for two years in high school.  Full details and instructions are on the Web site.

Once I know the courses I would like to take, what is the next step?
Once you have investigated your choices and taken appropriate placement tests, list your course selections on the enclosed Registration Worksheet.  (Additional copies are available online).

How do I submit my course selections?
Between May 26 and June 19, the “I am ready to register” link will be active on the registration site.  To logon and register, you will need to use your Lafayette College Network ID and Password included in this letter.  Your hard copy Registration Worksheet looks like the screen you will use to register.  Note: You are permitted to log on just once! Please make sure you are prepared to register in one online session.

How many courses do I take my first semester?
First-year students take four courses per semester.  In addition, students may also take up to two music performance courses (i.e., music lessons, choir) and/or one ROTC Military Science course.

Is there any course that all first-year students take?
Yes.  As part of the Common Course of Study requirements, all first-semester students enroll in a First-Year Seminar (FYS).  You will be asked to provide us with your top five choices. Read FYS course descriptions carefully and make selections that will expand your academic horizons.

In order to choose my courses, do I need to have an academic major?
Absolutely not.  Although you might have an academic program in mind and should follow course selection recommendations provided through the registration Web site, the Lafayette College Faculty has designed the curriculum to ensure that all students have an opportunity to study the liberal arts broadly, regardless of their intended major(s).  Students are not asked to declare an academic major until the second semester sophomore year. 

Can I change my course selections once they have been submitted online?
Yes, the choices you will make online are not final.  Course selections may be changed after the registration period by contacting the Office of the Dean of the College, 610-330-5080, the Office of the Registrar, 610-330-5090, or by waiting until you arrive on campus for Orientation in late August.