Prepare to Register

Get ready for next semester by using your follow-up advising email, DegreeWorks, and the John Jay Bulletin to select your courses. Prioritize required and recommended classes, including general education and major requirements.

Use DegreeWorks to identify what you still need (marked with red circles) and explore course options in the bulletin. ScheduleBuilder helps you plan your schedule and understand course formats (in-person, hybrid, or online).

Aim to build a balanced schedule with time for studying, tutoring, and campus activities. Check your enrollment date and time—enrolling early or in restricted sections can cause errors.

Need help? Visit L.73, join virtual walk-ins, or email academicadvising@jjay.cuny.edu

  • Use your follow-up advising email and your SEP Plan on DegreeWorks (the tab at the top) when planning next semester’s courses.
  • Prioritize sequential and prerequisite courses recommended by your advisor.
  • Include required general education and major courses in your plan.
  • Check DegreeWorks for categories marked with red circles to identify remaining requirements.
  • Explore course options in the college bulletin for general education and major courses.
  • Pick a few favorite courses from each category.
  • Be prepared to choose the best schedule fit once registration opens.
     
  • Use the CUNY Schedule Builder video tutorial (linked in your follow-up email and on the John Jay First-Year Advising website) to learn how to add, drop, and swap classes. You can also watch it HERE
  • Most John Jay courses meet in person twice a week.
  • Some courses are hybrid (part on-campus, part online).
  • Some courses are fully online with assignments submitted through Brightspace.
     To get a better understanding on selecting course modes, you can watch the video HERE

 

 
  • Create a balanced schedule with intentional gaps to meet with professors, attend tutoring or office hours, and join community hour events.
  • Plan for 2–3 hours of study and preparation outside of class for every hour spent in class each week.
  • Use this study time to support academic success and stay engaged on campus.

     
  • Some course sections are reserved for specific student groups, so check the Course Details tab for any restrictions (be sure to turn on the "class details" located in the center of your screen on the Schedule Builder page. This will allow you to read the details and find out if the courses are reserved for specific students/programs).
  • If a section is reserved, use the search results to find another open section of the same course.
  • Visit the Course Planning and Enrollment page on your Student Center to confirm your exact enrollment date and time.