English Department Policy
- We only accept force requests from English majors and minors.
- We do not make exceptions to existing prerequisites or restrictions.
How can I get forced into an English class?
It is our department policy to only accept force requests for English majors and minors. We do not make exceptions to existing prerequisites or restrictions. If you are not an English major or minor, we recommend monitoring Howdy for a seat to become available in a section where you meet all of the restrictions.
English majors and minors may only submit a force request in person during their preregistration window. We will only force you into a class where there is a seat available and you meet all of the prerequisites and restrictions. If we do not have a seat for you, we will add you to our force request list and contact you during open registration if a seat does become available. No appointment is required to submit a force request, but you may have to wait to meet with an advisor as we receive a high volume of requests during preregistration.
How do I get into ENGL 210?
Be sure to check the restrictions for each section of ENGL 210 to confirm that you are eligible to register for that particular section. All sections of ENGL 210 are restricted to U2, U3, U4, and U5 classifications. However, each semester a number of sections are restricted to students in the College of Engineering and the rest of the sections are open to all non-Engineering students. You must enroll in a section where you meet the restrictions. No exceptions will be made.
ENGL 210 fills up quickly every semester. If you are unable to secure a seat during your preregistration window, you have several options:
- Monitor Howdy throughout registration as a seat may become available. Keep in mind, you will only be able to enroll in a section where you meet all of the restrictions.
- If your schedule allows, the Department of English typically offers several online sections of ENGL 210 over the summer.
- You have the option to take an equivalent course at another institution and transfer in your credit. Please use the Transfer Course Equivalency website to find courses that have been previously approved for ENGL 210 (Texas Common Core Number 2311).
It is important that you meet with your major advisor regularly in order to develop a plan for your academic success. We do not make any exceptions to our departmental policies for graduating seniors.
I am a Junior or Senior and I still need ENGL 104 credit. How can I get into this class?
ENGL 104 is restricted to U1 and U2 students only. This restriction has been in place since 2000 and no exceptions will be made. If you are U3 or U4, you must take an equivalent course at another institution and transfer in your credit. Please use the Transfer Course Equivalency website to find courses that have been previously approved for ENGL 104 (Texas Common Core Number 1302).
It is important that you meet with your major advisor regularly in order to develop a plan for your academic success. We do not make any exceptions to our departmental policies for graduating seniors.
How do I register for a directed studies course?
Please fill out the appropriate course form with the assistance of your faculty supervisor. After the form is completed and signed, drop it off at the English Undergraduate Program Office in LAAH 352. Once it is approved, we will email you with registration instructions. You may register for this class beginning during your preregistration window through the fifth class day of the semester.
Helpful Hints
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Prior to your preregistration window, be sure to check your account for holds. Only the office that has placed the hold on your account is able to remove it. Promptly contact them to prevent any negative impact on your registration. You will not be able to self-register nor can advisors force you into classes if there is a registration hold on your account.
Two common holds placed by academic departments are:
- Degree Planner: Continuing students are required to submit an annual degree planner, due September 30th of each year. If you see this hold on your account, please edit and submit your degree planner through Howdy. If you are unsure how to complete your degree planner, please make an appointment to meet with your major advisor. Holds will be removed after the degree planner has been received and approved. Planners are approved in the order that they are received.
- Mandatory Advising: First semester English majors are required to meet with an English major advisor before they can register for classes. We use this meeting as an opportunity to check in with you, review any pending transfer credits, and discuss your degree progress. A registration hold will be placed on your account and can only be removed after your mandatory advising session takes place.
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Be sure to check the restrictions for each section every time you attempt to register to ensure your eligibility for that particular section. You can find this information by clicking on the title of the class you are interested in within the Howdy schedule. The pop-up box will include all restrictions and prerequisites for that particular section.
Restrictions can be based on identifying factors such as College, Major, Field of Study, Classification, or Student Attribute among others. If you do not meet the restrictions for the class, you will receive an error message when you attempt to register.
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Many students majoring in an area other than English are required to complete both Core Communication classes (writing instruction) and a Literature Requirement (critical reading and rhetorical analysis). Please be aware that not all English courses fulfill a literature requirement. You can find a current list of Literature Directed Electives in the Undergraduate Catalog for your reference.
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Please be advised that many 200-level English classes carry a U1 U2 classification restriction. It is important to pay close attention to these restrictions, especially if you are on the cusp of a U3 classification.
Your classification may change between the conclusion of your preregistration window and the beginning of open registration. This is typically due to grades being posted and your overall number of completed hours being updated. As such, many U2 students will transition to U3 classification during this period.
If you have enrolled in a class with the U1 U2 restriction during your preregistration window, you will remain enrolled in the class. However, if you accidentally drop the course or intentionally try to switch sections, you will not be able to re-enroll because you no longer have a U2 classification.
If you would like to change sections, please contact the English Undergraduate Program Office for assistance before making any changes to your schedule. We may be able to help you with a schedule adjustment.
If you drop a U1 U2 restricted class without talking to one of our advisors, we will not override the classification restriction so you can get back into the class. Please err on the side of caution when making changes to your schedule after grades have posted for the semester.