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McMaster University

Faculty of Humanities

How to Select and Register for Your Courses

When it comes to Level I course selection, you must spend some time researching your options before you can begin to actually register for courses. Follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1 - FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR LEVEL I PROGRAM
As a new student, your first step should be to find out more about the Level I program to which you have been admitted.

Be sure to make note of your Level I program requirements.

Step 2 - FIND OUT ABOUT UPPER LEVEL PROGRAM OPTIONS
The general Level I program not only introduces you to university, but acts as a gateway to the subject-specific degree program that you will enter in Level II. The program options available to you in Level II will depend on the courses you choose in Level I. Your second step should be to find out more about the degree programs we offer in Humanities so you can plan ahead. So, now go to our Undergraduate Programs page and take note of the entrance requirements for each program that interests you. You can research the programs offered by all faculties in the Faculties, Programs and Schools section of the Undergraduate Calendar.

Step 3 - FIND OUT ABOUT SPECIFIC COURSES
Now you have a good idea of the direction you would like to head in, it's time to choose specific Level I courses for the 2011/12 academic year. Go to our Level I Courses page for descriptions of Humanities Level I courses. Go the Undergraduate Calendar for descriptions of courses offered by other faculties. Make a list of the courses that interest you and that will allow you to meet your Level I program requirements. When researching the courses you want to take, make note of the course code (e.g. MMEDIA 1B03) not just the name (e.g. The Digital Image). When you register, you'll only be using course codes.

Step 4 - CHECK THE TIMETABLE * This is absolutely essential. Do not skip this step!*
You must check the 2011/12 Fall/Winter timetable to ensure that the courses you wish to take will fit into your schedule before you register. If two of the courses you wish to take run at the same time, you'll have to give up one of them and find an alternative. Please read the section on Understanding the Timetable on the timetable web site before you begin searching for courses. Check the McMaster Undergraduate Registration Guide for a timetable worksheet that will help you plan your courses. Download a timetable grid to use when checking courses in the timetable here.

Step 5 - READ THE STATEMENT ON STUDENT ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY
It's imperative that you read the statement on Student Academic Responsibility in the Undergraduate Calendar before registering for your courses. If after reading it you have any doubts, questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us.

Step 6 - FIND OUT ABOUT TUITION AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
When you register, you will be asked to complete the online Payment Agreement Form. This indicates how you intend to pay your fees. Go to the Student Accounts and Cashiers web site to find out more about the Payment Agreement (including fees and payment options) now. This is a very important part of the process, as your academic registration will not be finalized until you complete the Payment Agreement Form.

Step 7 - ACTIVATE YOUR MAC ID
You will access the online registration system (SOLAR) via the student record system (MUGSI). Before you can do this, you must activate your Mac ID. This is the unique username that has been assigned to you and is based on your family name and initials. You will use your Mac ID throughout your university career to log onto MUGSI, and to access your McMaster email account and other university computer services. In order to activate it:

  • Check your student number and barcode which are indicated on your Offer of Admission letter.
  • Go to https://adweb.cis.mcmaster.ca/CIS/UD4031 and input your student number, barcode and date of birth.
  • Follow the instructions to set your password.

Step 8 - CHECK THE FAQ PAGE
Check our FAQ page for a recap of the Humanities, Music, and Studio Art I information you'll need for registration. You will probably find the answer there to any questions you may have at this stage. If not, please get in touch.

Step 9 - REGISTER ONLINE USING SOLAR
Now you are ready to register. As an undergraduate student, you"ll register for your courses using McMaster's Student On-Line Registration System (SOLAR). Go to the Office of the Registrar's Undergraduate Registration Guide, to learn more. Access SOLAR by following the links under 'Academics' once you have logged onto MUGSI.

Step 10 - ENABLE YOUR MAC ID SERVICES
Once you have registered for courses and completed your Payment Agreement Form, you can enable your MAC ID services. This will give you access to a range of technology services, including your McMaster email account. For information on how to enable your MAC ID services, go to University Technology Services' (UTS) web site.