IHUM FAQS: Enrollment and Course Change Requests

If you have any questionst that aren't covered by our FAQs, don't hesitate to write us at ihumprogram@stanford.edu.

Will it be easy to change my course and / or section? The whole process is based on available space. We will satisfy as many requests as we can, both for course changes and section changes, but can't promise anything. Not many available slots exist in courses overall since we strive to limit the size of our sections to 15 students. For up-to-date enrollment announcements, check the IHUM Current Quarter Info page.

My schedule is very limited and I can only rank a few section times. Can I definitely get one of those choices?
We'll try, but we cannot guarantee anything. Try to arrange your schedule so you have more time for different sections. Think about your priorities as a freshman: IHUM and PWR are the centerpieces of your first year. You may need to defer taking some classes if they are not prerequisites for classes you need to take in sequence in your freshman year.

If I file a course and/or section change request, does that mean I'm giving up my current space?
If your request is granted, then the answer is yes. (If your change request is denied, you will stay in your same slot.) We strongly urge you not to submit a change request if you can do the current section time, even if it isn't ideal. For up-to-date information on likely course conflicts, check the IHUM Current Quarter Info page.

When will I find out whether I got my requested change?
It depends on when you submitted it. Change request forms generally open about a week before each quarter starts. The first round of requests submitted before Sunday at 12:00 p.m. will be processed by 3:00 p.m. that same day. After that, change requests will be processed daily, with postings no later than 3:00 pm, until Friday at 12:00 pm, when the forms close. You should endeavor to get your request in before 12:00 p.m. if you want to see it processed in the same day. If for some reason your request is not granted (and you stay in your old IHUM assignment), file a new change request. You can use the lookup forms to confirm your current assignment. For current information about course and section assignments, change requests, course availability, and related resources, check the IHUM Current Quarter Info page.

I already made a request for a change on the web, but now I want to change my request. What do I do?

Submit a new one. At present we don't offer the capability of editing existing requests, though we hope to introduce that functionality soon. We'll only pay attention to the most recently submitted one when we process them, and we'll and delete any earlier requests - so be sure that most recent request represents your final choices.

When does the web form to request course / section changes close?
The change request forms close on Friday of the first week of classes at 12:00 pm. For key dates in the change process, refer to the IHUM Current Quarter Info page.

Do you assign changes on a first-come, first-served basis?
No. We do the processing of requests in batches. Starting on the Sunday just before classes begin, we process whatever requests are in the system by 12:00 p.m. once daily, posting changes to IHUM assignments by 2:00 p.m. All students submitting requests within the posting period have the same chance to get a change based on availability. It should be noted that it is generally easier to change your IHUM assignment at the beginning of the week than at the end of it - there are more requests at the beginning of the week and thus more slots created, making it easier to grant everyone's. It's less likely that someone will have your top choice slots (either for a course or a section) when there are fewer requests overall. For up-to-date information on likely course conflicts, check the IHUM Current Quarter Info page.

I'm a varsity athlete and I can't make my assigned section. What can I do?
Submit an online request for a change. If you cannot get a change that works with your schedule, go see our Assistant Director on the second floor of Sweet Hall. (If she is not available, just find a member of the IHUM staff and they will help you.) She can help you think about your schedule and look at other options, but she will NOT be able to make any changes - you'll still have to fill out on the online change request form. Be aware that most varsity athletics practice schedule conflicts are handled before assignments are initially posted.

I've requested a change of section, but I haven't heard yet. What section should I attend?
You should attend the section to which you are assigned if at all possible. If you cannot attend your assigned section, do go to the section you have requested or some other possible section. Fellows begin keeping attendance records immediately and will transfer your attendance record to a colleague should you wind up with a different fellow. Please be aware that attending the section doesn't guarantee that it has space to accommodate you, even if it seems underenrolled; you must be formally assigned to it by the IHUM Program. Attending the section means you have a chance of not falling behind in the course work, even if you don't end up in that section. Attending class and signing up for presentations doesn't grant you priority over other students submitting course change requests. Only critical academic conflicts and varsity athletics give you priority. If your requests are repeatedly denied, we strongly urge you to consider making other changes to your schedule to accommodate IHUM into your schedule. You should always put ALL courses and sections that work with your schedule on your forms, but in this case it is particularly important. For information about course and section assignments, change request petitions and related resources, check the IHUM Current Quarter Info page.

Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Write us at ihumprogram@stanford.edu!

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