BY: DANIELLE CLARK, STAFF WRITER
Course registration begins Oct. 31 for graduate students and continues through Nov. 12 for first-years. St. Bonaventure University encourages students to plan ahead and meet with advisers before their registration times open.
Student registration priorities for spring and winter 2026 have been assigned based on credits earned, according to the Registrar’s Office. Students must receive adviser approval before registering, and all account holds must be cleared before the system allows registration.
After assigned registration dates, the portal will remain open through the end of add/drop week on Jan. 26, 2026, for late approvals and schedule changes.
For many, registration can be stressful as they balance course requirements, limited class spots and scheduling conflicts.
“Registration can feel stressful because students worry about getting the right classes, filling classes before they register or forgetting altogether,” said Mollie Gappa, a junior education major and peer leader at St. Bonaventure University. “Many are new to the process and don’t fully understand how it works, which can make them feel rushed or unsure.”
As a peer leader, Gappa helps first-year students prepare for registration by walking them through Student Planning, explaining how to search for classes and making sure they understand each step.
“I help new students during class registration by guiding them through the process, showing them how the registration system works, helping them choose classes, answering questions and making sure they feel comfortable and prepared,” Gappa said.
Registration for graduate students opens at 1 a.m. on Oct. 31. Seniors can begin registering Nov. 4, juniors on Nov. 6, sophomores on Nov. 10 and first-year students on Nov. 12. Honors and early registration groups are scheduled before each class year. Gappa said planning ahead is key to avoiding stress.
“The best thing students can do is plan,” she said. “Make a list of the classes they need, check for backup options and meet with their adviser or peer coach to review their schedule. Knowing what to register for before the time opens helps everything go smoothly.”
Students are advised to confirm that their planned courses turn green in Student Planning and that credits switch from “planned” to “registered,” according to the Registrar’s Office. If not, they should contact their adviser as soon as possible.
Registration days and times are determined by the Faculty Senate and are not subject to change unless an error is found. Questions can be directed to records@sbu.edu.
