Registration numbers increased

Preliminary enrollment numbers for the fall semester hit a new record this year with 12,175 students registered as of last Monday, the first day of classes, despite initial troubles with the new DATATEL system.

"I tried over and over again to sign in and then register but the system wouldn't work. I had to come to Del Mar," radiology major Megan Pena said.

Problems with the system began in April during pre-registration, when the system would not allow all students access to their WebDMC accounts. On the first day of classes, signs reading,

"A new registration system has been implemented and the wait time may be longer as we adjust to working the new system" graced the walls by the registrar's offices. The wait time was especially apparent as lines of students waiting to register backed up to the stairwell on the second floor of the Harvin Center.

In addition, students expressed troubles with their classes being dropped by the system.

"I was on a payment plan and they had dates where you make payments. I paid on those dates but they didn't go through the system. On my WebDMC it told me I had not paid and dropped my classes," history major Brandon Diaz said.

Diaz ended up registering for different classes at different times as a result of the problems with the system. Computer Science/Network Administration major Kevin DellaRocco experienced a similar experience but was able to get his same classes back. "I think the issue is more with the new installment plan than the registration system," he said.

According to cashier Angel Munoz the difference in the installment plan is that it's required to be paid online if using a credit card. If using cash you may pay at the cashier's office. You still pay half upfront but now they enrollment fee is billed to you, whereas before it had to be paid upfront. The other half is made in two payments. If paying with a credit card the card is automatically on file so they take the other payments out on September and October 20. If paying cash, payments are due on October and November 1. You must select only one method of payment.

John Canals, a biology major, enrolled during late registration.

"I did register late but it was pretty quick. The staff helped me get my classes," Canals said.

"We will iron out the kinks. It is a very powerful system that we will maximize down the road," President Escamilla said.