The Facts: Students have registered for classes during the last month on a relatively new registration system. MyPack Portal made some significant changes from Pack Tracks and created an excellent registration experience.
Our Opinion: MyPack Portal has made the registration process much easier for students. Class availability wasn’t ideal for next semester, but the system is a great tool which students should learn to use.
Students with less than 29 credit hours began registration Monday and became the last major group to register for spring classes.
The class pickings were slim from an availability standpoint and many students complained about not getting the classes they wanted, but the vehicle for class registration has been a welcome change.
Pack Tracks, N.C. State’s previous registration system, was a very intuitive user interface and easy to use. The downside is that it provided few perks; students were forced to do extensive research on classes before their registration day and had to rush on as soon as the period opened to sign up for the most desirable classes and sections.
MyPack Portal has noticeably upgraded the registration process and brought all the registration tools under one roof. For instance, students can now easily access class and professor grade distributions on the same screen where they see who is teaching a class that semester.
The system has been an annoyance for many students who see it as more difficult to adapt to, but the additional features it provides cannot be disregarded.
The wish list feature enables students to complete their class selection before their registration date; and the system’s assigned registration times avoid 7 a.m. registration relays to sign up for classes and get the schedule they want for the next semester (registration for Pack Tracks opened at 7 a.m. for every student that registered that day).
Students’ complaints about the current registration system principally stem from their inability to get the classes they need. These are valid complaints — the University is unable to provide adequate class seats during the difficult financial situation it faces — but they should not be directed at the registration vehicle.
MyPack Portal has facilitated a faster and more efficient registration system that helps students find and schedule classes.
It isn’t perfect, but is only in its second run with the first being fall registration for last semester. If you’re a graduating senior — look on the bright side — you’ll never have to register for classes again, on any system. If you’re not, take a couple minutes and learn the system, it has a lot to offer and is a great tool. If nothing else, it’s a spectacular upgrade from Pack Tracks