With the speed and convenience of online registration, it has become a favored class registration tool for many students.

The online registration program was developed by a group of leaders throughout the state and began in June 2000.

By 2001, the program was being used by 7,000 students statewide.

“I’m finding it gives students an opportunity to not be here in person. (You can register) if you happen to be somewhere else,” president Dr. Thomas Fallo said.

?Approximately 75 percent of students register for classes online through CCCApply, the California Community Colleges web-based admissions portal, because most find it more efficient than standing in line.

? “It was convenient and I didn’t have to go anywhere or waste gasoline,” Jannette Alvarez, anthropology major, said.

Students claimed that the fact that they could bypass waiting and save time caused them to prefer online registration.

“You don’t have to deal with people who have dealt with 10,000 people before you, or the long lines,” Alvarez said. ?

Concerns about work and activities outside of college have made many students appreciate the fact that an online service is available, as coming in person can cause delays and confusion.

“It’s just not work-friendly,” Kandice Mirabal, marine biology major, said. “I tell them my schedule and they say it’s impossible to take all my units. When I registered online, I got all my classes on my own.”

?Online registration is gaining support not only because of its convenience, but due to the fact that it allows some students the ability to adapt to a more modern way of doing things from the confort of their own homes.

“It focuses students on the digital way of doing things now,” Fallo said. ”

Your generation is doing everything digitally and we have the course book online. Eventually, you won’t need the book.”

CCCApply has other features for students including a Spanish version of the application, an electronic fee waiver, and an application for international students online. ?

“It’s very convenient. I can see if the class is full or how many people can enroll,” Goldie Polimac, business major, said. ?

While students continue to use the online service, Fallo discussed the possibility of the failure of the machines, a problem some students have encountered, but so far has not stopped most students from using it.

“(One of my friends) had a problem because it said he didn’t take English 1A and he had to call and all that, but it’s never happened to me,” Polimac, said. ?

Students also find it beneficial because they are in control of the classes they wish to take and they can manage them according to their personal schedules.

“I can do it at home and not have to deal with anyone,” Ali Snavely, film major, said.

“It’s easier for me to map out the classes I want to take and what times work best for me because as you register, you can see the class on your schedule and make sure that you aren’t conflicting classes.”

Although the service allows students to register for classes wherever they may be and pick any class they wish, they are encouraged to meet with a counselor prior to registering.

“A concern is to make sure they’re counseled appropriately. Sometimes they just take whatever’s nice,” Fallo said.

?It is recommended that students be responsible about what they’re taking, and to ask questions in order to make sure they take what they need and fully take advantage of registering online.

“You can’t ask a bad question. Most people are here to help you,” Fallo said.