Welcome (or welcome back) to Fanshawe College! You've likely found out that there's a lot of information you need to know, and FATS is here to help you. Look to this regular column for dates, deadlines and directions so you don't wind up in difficulties. Look for FATS at the Welcome Kiosk, too.

How to avoid line-ups in the Office of the Registrar
Long lines can be frustrating. But how do you get your business done when 13,000 other people want the same things you do? Here are some pointers that may help.

“I just want to come when it isn't so busy.”
Try our extended hours. We're open until 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday morning. On Friday, we close at 4 p.m.

“I just want my student campus card and bus pass.”
During Orientation, come to ‘H' Cafeteria — it'll be faster. Before or after Orientation, come see us in E1012 for your campus card. Go to Fanshawe Student Union office for your bus pass, and don't forget your photo ID!

“I just want a part-time course from the continuing education course guide.”
Look up courses and register online with WebAdvisor. You need your WebAdvisor user name and password, or your student number. You also need to have a valid email address on file with the college, and a valid credit card number and expiry date. You DON'T need a WebAdvisor profile — you already have one!

“I just want to get my timetable.”
Look for your timetable on WebAdvisor.

“I just want to drop/ add/ change a course.”
Get your ‘Student Verification Form' at Orientation and have it signed by your division, before you come to see us. Your division can also advise you on appropriate courses and process course drops.

“I just want to make a payment on my fees.”
Make payments with your credit card on line with WebAdvisor. You need your WebAdvisor user name and password, or your student number, and a valid credit card number and expiry date. We'll email you a receipt. You can also make payments online through your bank — talk to your bank branch for more information.

“I just want to telephone someone.”
If you know the name of the person or the office you're calling, dial 519.452.4430, say the name, and you'll be connected directly.

“I just have a quick question.”
Take a ticket from the ticket printer by either door in E1012. You only need one ticket, even if you have several things to do. Have a seat — your number will show on the display board over the counter. We'll help you as quickly as we can.

We handle fee payments, admitting and registering people in programs, transcripts, grades, part-time courses, apprentices, tax receipts, the campus card, graduation, and all those forms the government wants you to fill out. Sometimes quick questions have long answers. When you come to see us, please bring all the necessary paperwork, including your photo ID — it'll be faster.

We know line-ups can be long. That's why at Orientation we have people at the door and in the lobby to answer quick questions so you can avoid a wait — talk to us, first!

Important Dates
January 8 — The first day of classes for most programs.

January 19 — The last date you can withdraw without having to pay all your fees for the Winter 2007 term. If you withdraw after January 19, all your fees will be due, even if you aren't going to class. Come to the Office of the Registrar to be sure your paperwork is complete.

January 19 is also the last date to register, change from full-time to part-time or back again, drop or add courses, or get credit for external credits for this term.

January 26 — This is the due date for the next installment of your fees if you are on the payment plan. Check your up-to-date fee balance on WebAdvisor.

January 31 — This is the last date to appeal a grade or academic decision, or the paying of your fees, for Fall 2006.

Office of the Registrar
… We're working for you.

This column is a Student Success Initiative sponsored by Counselling and Student Life Services, Financial Aid and the Office of the Registrar.