University registration is not a single event but a phased process. It begins with a registration window, a designated period where students are permitted to select their courses through an online portal. These deadlines are critical because many high-demand classes have limited seating, and missing the cutoff can result in a student being unable to take a required course for their major, potentially delaying their graduation date.
Beyond the initial sign-up, there are secondary deadlines known as the 'Add/Drop' period. This is a short window following the start of the semester where students can refine their schedules. Navigating these dates requires a clear understanding of the difference between dropping a course and withdrawing from one, as the timing of the action determines whether the course appears on a permanent academic transcript.