Despite the University’s Efforts, Students still Struggle to Enroll in the Classes they want

By: Jaedyn White

In this image, students are attending a journalism class to fulfill a requirement for a Humanities and Communications major.

Getting into required courses is becoming increasingly difficult for CSUMB students; some argue that the lack of options puts their academic futures at risk. Although the administration responds with more advising support and hiring of more full-time faculty, the students still feel class offerings are limited.

Students’ high demand is forcing them onto waitlists, reshaping their schedules, and in some cases, delaying graduation.

“I’ve had difficult times enrolling in required classes because it’s either only offered for one semester or the class is filled before I can register,” said Aniya Lawson, a junior student-athlete. “It’s stressful not knowing if the classes I need are even going to be available.”

A Growing Issue Across Campus

The issue comes as universities across the California State University system face ongoing budget constraints. At CSUMB, reductions in funding and staffing have contributed to fewer course offerings and limited availability in high-demand classes.

For students, the impact goes beyond inconvenience. Limited access to required courses can extend graduation timelines, increase financial burdens, and add pressure to already demanding schedules.

“I’ve had minor fears of not graduating on time because some classes aren’t always offered,” Aniya Lawson said. “It’s forced me to take summer classes at CSUMB or even at my local community college.”

Balancing Academics, Finances, and Stress

Students say the lack of course availability is affecting more than just their academic plans; it’s also impacting their mental health and finances.

Aniya Lawson, who balances academics with athletics, said the uncertainty makes it difficult to stay on track.

“This impacts my stress by making sure I’m enrolled in the right classes,” she said. “I’m worried about how I’m going to pay for extra classes or if I’ll even be able to take them when I need to.”

Other students echoed similar concerns.

“It feels like there haven’t been many options,” said Jillian Smith, a senior at CSUMB. “My schedule changes based on what classes are available, and I end up going back and forth to campus more instead of having time for other priorities.”

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

Faculty and Structural Challenges

Faculty are also feeling the effects of reduced course offerings. Fewer class sections often mean larger class sizes and increased demand on instructors.

Departments must work within tighter budgets, limiting their ability to offer additional sections or hire part-time lecturers to meet student needs.

These constraints can create a cycle where fewer classes lead to higher demand, which in turn creates more scheduling conflicts for students.

Administrative Response

While students continue to express concern about limited course access, university administrators say efforts are being made to address the issue.

According to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Andrew Lawson, recent budget challenges in fall 2024 were driven by a structural deficit and rising costs due to inflation. As a result, some departments reduced low-enrollment course sections when alternative options were available for students to meet requirements.

However, Provost Lawson said enrollment has since increased across most majors, prompting the university to expand course offerings.

“Because of this enrollment growth, in most majors, there are actually more courses and more sections offered now than before the budget reductions,” he said.

To help students stay on track for graduation, Provost Lawson emphasized that the university is working closely with academic advisors and department chairs to ensure required courses are available. He encouraged students facing difficulties to communicate directly with advisors if needed classes are full or unavailable.

“I never really have time to take a second and breathe”

The university is also taking steps to address staffing needs. Provost Lawson noted that CSUMB is currently hiring or has recently completed searches for 11 tenure-track faculty positions, which could help support course availability moving forward.

Still, challenges remain particularly for students balancing academics with other responsibilities.

Provost Lawson acknowledged that scheduling conflicts with work, athletics, and other commitments can be difficult to accommodate, especially in smaller majors with limited course options. He advised student-athletes to coordinate with coaches and faculty athletic representatives to find solutions that keep them on track academically.

Despite these efforts, some students say uncertainty around course availability continues to shape their college experience.

“I never really have time to take a second and breathe,” Lawson, the student-athlete, said. “I’m always thinking about the next semester and whether I’ll be able to take the classes I need.”

As the university continues to navigate budget constraints and enrollment changes, students remain hopeful that increased course offerings and faculty hires will translate into more consistent access to the classes they need.