Waitlisting

What is waitlisting?

Waitlisting is a feature in the registration system that allows a student to “get in line” (i.e., get on the waitlist) for classes that are full/closed. This automated process notifies the first student on the waitlist via their Missouri State email when a seat becomes available, prompting the student to register for the class. That student has exactly 24 hours after the notification is sent to register for the class. If the student does not register for the class during that 24 hour period, the next student on the waitlist is notified. The order of the waitlist is first come, first served; however, a department may reorder the list if they choose. Getting on the waitlist does not guarantee a seat in the class.

Do all classes have waitlists?

No. Only full semester and first block classes for spring and fall and full semester classes for summer are eligible for waitlisting. Cross-listed classes and those with reserved seats are not eligible for waitlisting. If a class meets the required criteria for waitlisting, it is the department's decision whether or not to add a waitlist and if adding a waitlist, how many seats will be available on that waitlist. 

When will the waitlist and notifications be available?

Waitlisting begins the first day of sequenced registration and ends at 5:00 p.m. on the third day of the first week of classes (change of schedule period). During this time, notifications go out Monday 8:00 a.m. through Thursday 5:00 p.m. Notifications do not go out during holidays breaks when offices are closed. If seats become available over the weekend or while the notifications are off, those notifications go out 8:00 a.m. on Monday when notifications resume. This schedule has been set so the 24 hour registration period does not occur when offices are closed. 

How do I get on a waitlist?

You will get the normal registration error of “Closed Section” regardless of whether waitlisting is available or not. If available, “Waitlist Online” will be in the drop down under “Action.” Click on the drop down, choose this option, and click “Submit Changes.” You are now on the waitlist. Overnight, you will receive an email to your Missouri State email account confirming that you've been added to the waitlist for the class. Remember, you are not actually registered in the class yet.

What happens then?

If/when a seat becomes available, an email is sent to your Missouri State email account and you will have exactly 24 hours (excluding weekends) to register for the class. Go to “Add or Drop Classes” link in My Missouri State. Next to the class will be a drop down with the option “Web Registered.” Click the drop down, choose this option, and click “Submit Changes". If you do not register for the class within 24 hours, your notification expires and the next student on the waitlist will be notified.

Can I waitlist for a class I'm registered in, but at a different time?

Yes. If/when you receive notification of an opening, remember to drop the section you are registered in before adding the section you are waitlisted in.

How do I get off the waitlist?

You can drop a class that you are on the waitlist for by going to “Add or Drop Classes” link in My Missouri State. Click on the drop down next to the class, choose “Drop Class 100% Refund”, and click “Submit Changes.”

Do waitlisted classes count toward my student status (i.e., full time)?

No. Waitlisted classes do not calculate into your cumulative hours for either student status or billing.