Sometimes I get requests from students asking me to add them to a class that is already closed. I am sorry, but the reason a class is closed is because there is a limit to the number of students that should be in a class. Often it happens that another section of the same course is available, perhaps in the afternoon or even at night. Sometimes students try to beg me because they are ready to graduate and my section is the only one that will meet their schedule. Sorry, but I don't add any one student because they are more desperate than another student or because they are convinced they can't change their schedule, but wish other students would change theirs.

If my section is closed, but another section is still open, even one that conflicts with other classes you are already enrolled in, I suggest you change your priorities. If it is that crticial you may need to consider changing your schedule and make room for that other section. If that means you have to drop another course, or change your job schedule, or even worse, quit your job, then so be it!

If all sections of the class are closed then perhaps you should also consider attending another school. I already know no other school will be quite as good as SMC, so I recognize you want to attend the best school you can. It is no accident that I teach at SMC for the same reason.

If you come to my class early on the first day of class, I MAY put your name on a waiting list. However, I won't even bother making a waiting list if the class limit has been reached and all students show up on the first day. In fact, if you are not on my waiting list from the start of the first day, then you have no possibility of ever adding the class. If you are new to SMC you also need to know that during the first two weeks of classes there is virtually no parking anywhere near campus. I don't accept coming to class late because of parking as a valid excuse for anything.

Before the term even starts I am sometimes asked if I will be adding students when other students who are enrolled drop within the first week. The answer is generally no, but the reason I create a wating list is in case there are legitimate openings. So you need to get on my waiting list before I will even consider adding you.

Perhaps it would help you to know how I manage the waiting list and enrollment in the first several days. To get on the waiting list you want to be in class on time at the first meeting. I may not add anyone to the waiting list after the first few minutes of the first class. I then close the waiting list and at this point you can assume both the class and the waiting list are closed.

Students who are enrolled but are absent on the first day will be dropped at the end of that first class. At the end of the second class meeting I will have an idea of how many students I MAY add off of the waiting list. If the class is totally full I won't add anyone off the waiting list. You must have perfect attendance during the first two weeks to keep your name on the waiting list and to remain under consideration for adding. Each day I will usually announce the number of openings so you can have an idea of the probability of being added. I usually hold a lottery to determine the order that I take students off the waiting list. I won't encourage you to attend class after the second day unless I think you have a real chance of being added. If you are on the waiting list and have any absences during the first two weeks, you will either go to the bottom of the list or you may be dropped from the waiting list. I will check whether you meet the pre-requisite for the class or not at the time I decide to add you, if I decide to add you.

Do NOT email me asking me to make an exception in your case. I will politely ignore all emails asking me any questions about a section of a class that is closed. The above information should be sufficient.