It is about that time of year again! Starting Tuesday, April 4, 2017, students will be able to register for courses, but registering is more than what it seems.

For some students registering can be a hassle, but in order to avoid that here is some information that can help.

Every effort should be made to register using the KeanWISE System as soon as a student is eligible.

Undergraduates are matriculated students in good academic standing who have completed courses at Kean University within the past academic year. The Kean University student body is divided into different sections that apply when registering, and it is important to check the dates when searching for courses.

The first group of students, categorized as Eligibility Group, has priority registration on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, and they are classified as scholars, athletes and students with disabilities.

All other matriculated undergraduates by completed credits follow this order:

• 100 credits and above and freshmen last names M-Z register Wednesday, April 5
• 90 credits and above and freshmen last names A-L register Thursday, April 6
• 79 credits and above register Friday, April 7
• 69 credits and above register Monday, April 10
• 56 credits and above register Tuesday, April 11
• 51 credits and above register Wednesday, April 12
• 44 credits and above register Thursday, April 13
• 35 credits and above register Monday, April 17
• 29 credits and above register Tuesday, April 18
• 0 credits and above register Wednesday, April 19
• Registration opens for all students Thursday, April 20 through September

With early registration comes benefits. One positive is getting to pick classes that are needed or that are best for the student's major. Registering early can also make it easier to add or drop classes that might not be needed.

On the other end of the spectrum, late registration is subject to closed courses that require the permission of the department chair to gain admittance, and it limits the course times in which a student can register for.

When registering, it is important to remember that a student sets up an appointment with his or her advisor to go over classes to take, and to take off holds that prohibit registration. It is essential to register for courses that do not conflict with each other.

After processing an initial registration, students may use KeanWISE to process changes to their schedule if they desire.

It is also important to note that with early registration comes the bill for the semester.

For students who are wary about tuition and fees that start soon after registration, there is the option for a payment plan, and when financial aid and scholarships are applied refunds can be issued as well. Payment plans are offered for five months, four months and three months for students who might want to space out the payments.

Students encountering problems with the KeanWISE System should contact the Office of Registrar, either in person or by calling 908-737-3290. The office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Kean University website contains more information on the Office of Registrar. More information can be found on KeanWISE for course registration.