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 14,000 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, but go to Fanshawe Student Union for your bus pass. Don't forget your photo ID!

“I just want a part-time course from the continuing education course guide.”
Look up courses and register on line 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 (your Fanshawe Online email address is fine, unless you want your email to go somewhere else), and a valid credit card number and expiry date. You DON'T need to request a WebAdvisor profile — you already have one!

“I just want to get my timetable.”
Look for your timetable on WebAdvisor. Don't rely on paper copies of class timetables — it could be that your timetable is different from your classmates.

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

“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.

- Or, make payments online through your bank — talk to your bank branch for more information.

- Or, fax your credit card information to the Office of the Registrar, at 519.453.5021.

- Or, drop your cheque (in an envelope) into the Office of the Registrar drop box, just outside our sliding doors. Don't forget to put your student number on it!

“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, second career inquiries, 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

Note! Fanshawe College programs each fall under one of three academic calendars — 15-week, 16-week, and 18-week semesters. Make sure you know where your program fits! If you aren't sure, talk to the helpful folks in your Academic Office.

Classes start (15-wk, 16-wk, or 18-wk semesters) — Jan 12, Jan 5, Jan 13

First release of OSAP for Winter 2009 (15-wk, 16-wk, or 18-wk semesters) — Jan 12, Jan 5, Jan 13

The last date to withdraw without having to pay all your fees for Winter Term 2009 (15-wk, 16-wk, or 18-wk semesters) — Jan 23, Jan 16, Jan 26

If you withdraw after this date, 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.

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 (15-wk, 16-wk, or 18-wk semesters) — Jan 23, Jan 16, Jan 26

Next Payment Plan installment (15-wk, 16-wk, or 18-wk semesters) — Jan 28, Jan 28, Jan 28. Check your up-to-date fee balance on WebAdvisor.

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