Banner Automated Waitlisting

What is course waitlisting?

If you attempt to register for a course that is full, you may receive the option to add yourself to a waitlist. A waitlist allows for students to be notified when a seat becomes available. When a seat opens in a course with an active waitlist, a notification email is sent to the W&M email account of the first student on the waitlist. The email will identify how long the student has to login to Banner Self-Service and change their status from “Wait List” to “Web Registered.” The open seat is reserved solely for that student for the time period outlined in the student’s notification email.

If the first student takes no action or fails to register for the open seat during their notification window, they will be dropped from the waitlist and the next student on the waitlist will be notified of the open seat. This process continues until there are no more waitlisted students, or until the waitlist process has ended for the term.

A few important notes about the waitlist:

  • A waitlist is not available for all courses
  • Being on a waitlist for a course does not guarantee that you will be offered a seat in that course
  • The waitlist operates on a first come, first served basis
  • You cannot see your position on the waitlist
  • You are never automatically registered in the course from the waitlist
  • You must take action in Banner Self-Service to register in the course when you are notified of an open seat
Registration onto the Waitlist
How can I see if a course is offering a waitlist option?

You can see if a course is offering a waitlist through the Banner Self-Service course schedule by looking in the "WL" columns:

  • WL Cap = total number of students allowed to waitlist that section; if this number is 0 (zero), a waitlist is not available at this time
  • WL Act = number of students currently registered for the waitlist for that section
  • WL Rem = number of waitlist spots currently remaining for that section
How can I add myself to a waitlist if one is available?

If a course is closed and the section offers a waitlist option, you will be given the option to add yourself to the waitlist in the Registration Add Errors section under the Action column. To waitlist the course, select "Wait List" from the drop down menu and click "Submit Changes" at the bottom of the page. Once you have added yourself successfully, you will see your status as "Wait List" with the date you added yourself to the waitlist. You are successfully in line for this course. 

You cannot see your position on the waitlist, but when you add the course, the registration add error will give you an idea of how many students have chosen to waitlist the course. The add error displays "Closed - # Waitlisted" which lets you know how many students are on the waitlist as of that time. Keep in mind that multiple students could be adding themselves to the waitlist simultaneously, so that number may not be your exact position on the waitlist.

If a course is closed and the waitlist is also full, you will receive the error: Closed - Waitlist Full. You cannot be added to the waitlist as it has reached capacity.

Notification Process
How will I be notified that a seat has opened for me?

A notification email will go to your W&M email address when you are offered a seat from the waitlist, so make sure to check your email at least daily. The email will tell you how long you have to register (change your status from "Wait List" to "Web Registered") for the class; this is typically between 12-24 hours. The open seat is reserved solely for you for the time period outlined in your notification email. You can add and drop the course as many times as you need to during the window to make schedule adjustments, but once your window has expired, you will no longer be able to add the course.

If you take no action or fail to register for the open seat during your notification window, you will be dropped from the waitlist and the next student on the waitlist will be notified of the open seat. The Law School Registrar (or instructor) cannot add you back to the top of the waitlist or provide you additional time to register for the course.

How long do I have once I receive a waitlist email offering me an open seat?

Typically between 12-24 hours. The deadline to register in the course in Banner Self-Service will be listed in the notification email for your reference. Make sure to check your W&M email at least daily.

Automated Waitlist FAQs
Can I add myself to a waitlist if the course is not full yet?
If a course has not reached capacity, you will not be able to waitlist the course.
Do the same course restrictions apply? What if I have a hold on my account when I get a waitlist seat notification?

The same course restrictions exist for the waitlist as do for regular registration. You must meet any prerequisites or any other restrictions in order to waitlist. You are able to waitlist a course that may have a time conflict with another course on your schedule. However, keep in mind that the time conflict will be enforced when you attempt to register for the course if you are offered a seat from the waitlist.

Any registration holds on your account will prevent you from registering for a course or an open seat that is offered to you from the waitlist. Make sure to clear any holds immediately. Waitlist seat notification windows cannot be extended.
I can't get on the waitlist. Why?
There could be several reasons. Not all courses offer a waitlist option. You must also meet all pre-requisite and course restrictions in order to be eligible to waitlist the course (with the exception of time conflicts, which are enforced if you are offered a seat in the course). The waitlist may also have reached its capacity.
How are students prioritized on the waitlist?
Students are added in a first come, first served basis.
How do I know my place in line on the waitlist?
If you are offered the option to waitlist, an error message will display "Closed - # Waitlisted" as a registration add error. That will give you an idea of your approximate place in line. Remember, multiple other students could be simultaneously attempting registration and choosing to waitlist in the same course.
How many sections of a course can I waitlist?
You will be able to waitlist multiple sections of the same course (if the waitlist is available for them).
I have chosen another section and do not want to be on the waitlist anymore.
You can drop yourself from the waitlist any time your registration time ticket is active. Simply select “Web Dropped” from the drop down menu and click “Submit Changes” at the bottom of the page. If you are no longer interested in the course, make sure you select “Web Dropped” to allow other students to add themselves to the waitlist and to make the notification process move quicker. If you want to get back on the waitlist after dropping from it, you may do so if the waitlist is still active and space is still available. However, you will be placed at the end of the waitlist.
I didn't see the email notification and missed my registration window for the waitlist! Can I get back on the top of the list?
No. You must check your W&M email address at least daily, especially if you have added yourself to a waitlist. If the waitlist is still available, you can add yourself back through Banner Self-Service, but you will be at the end of the list.
Am I guaranteed a seat from the waitlist?
No. A seat on the waitlist does not guarantee that you will be able to register for the course. Students should always seek other course or section options to fulfill their program and schedule needs.
Does the waitlist operate when the campus or administrative offices are closed?
A waitlist notification can be sent to you on any day of the week while your registration time ticket is active. Make sure you check your W&M email account at least daily if you are on a waitlist so you do not miss your opportunity should you be offered a seat in a course.