Registration Override Request Process

There may be several reasons why you receive a registration error message during the registration process. Some of these issues are related to not having met the pre-requisite course requirements, not having the right class standing or major, or attempting to register for a course which requires permission to enter (such as an internship or independent study). You may also be asking for permission to enter a section that is already enrolled to capacity. 

• View more information about the registration override process for these error messages
  • Pre-Requisite Not Met (Also includes Class Restriction and Major Restriction error messages)
  • Prior Approval Required
  • Override Request Process

"Pre-requisite Not Met" Error Message

What are Pre-Requisites?

Pre-requisite requirements are courses or other classifications (class standing, minimum GPA, permission of instructor, etc.) that need to be completed PRIOR to another course. Pre-requisite courses provide the background information or appropriate standing necessary for a more likely successful experience in a course. 

How are Pre-Requisites Enforced?

The university uses an automated check of students’ records - including transfer work and test scores - at the time of registration in myBanner to determine whether students have successfully completed the pre-requisites for certain courses. The online catalog lists pre-requisites in the course descriptions. You will be permitted to register only if you have satisfactorily completed or are currently enrolled in the pre-requisites for the course, or have departmental approval to be in the course.

Satisfactory completion means:

• Meeting the minimum grade requirement by completion of a GVSU course or an equivalent transfer class.
• Having a test score that meets the requirement.

If you have not completed and are not registered for the pre-requisite, then you will receive a pre-requisite error message when you try to register. If you are currently enrolled in the course we anticipate successful completion of the required pre-requisite. You will be contacted to remove the course if you no longer satisfy the requirement once the semester is completed.

What do I do if I Receive a "Pre-requisite Not Met" Error Message?

1. If you have not yet satisfied the pre-requisite course requirement(s), you will need to revise  your academic plan to satisfy the pre-requisite course(s) prior to registering for the subsequent course so that you are academically prepared and have the background necessary to be successful. You should NOT submit a registration override request without first seeking advising to review your academic plan to determine if it's absolutely  necessary to keep you on track for graduation. 

2. If you have already completed the pre-requisite requirement(s) through AP or CLEP testing. If you receive a registration error message but believe you have met the requirement through CLEP or AP testing, it means that GVSU does not have your test score on file. You should request official score results from the reporting agency directly to GVSU Records, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401. We cannot accept photocopies of your score report. You may request an override from the department using the Registration Override Request Process and explain that you have AP/CLEP test score as the reason for why you should be provided with permission. You may be removed from the requested course if you do not provide proof of pre-requisite completion prior to the start of the semester.

3. If you have already completed the pre-requisite requirement(s) through course work at another institution but it's not showing on your myBanner records. You may request an override from the department using the Registration Override Request Process and indicate this as the reason and provide the school and course numbers for the missing classes. You should then request an official transcript be submitted from the other institution directly to GVSU Records, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401. We cannot accept photocopies or unofficial copies of your transcript to update your record. You may be removed from the requested course if you do not provide proof of pre-requisite completion prior to the start of the semester.

4. If you are enrolled, or plan to enroll, for the pre-requisite requirement(s) through course work at another institution prior to taking the subsequent course at GVSU. You may request an override from the department using the Registration Override Request Process and indicate this as the reason and provide the school and course numbers for the missing classes. After completion of the course(s) you should request an official transcript from the other institution directly to GVSU Records, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401. We cannot accept photocopies or unofficial copies of your transcript to update your record. You may be removed from the requested course if you do not provide proof of pre-requisite completion prior to the start of the semester.

5. If you are enrolled, or plan to enroll, for the pre-requisite requirement(s) through course work at GVSU in the first six week session of Spring/Summer prior to taking the subsequent course at GVSU the second six week session of Spring/Summer. myBanner cannot distinguish first 6 weeks from second 6 weeks and considers it to be one semester. You may request an override from the department using the Registration Override Request Process and indicate this as the reason for your request. You may be removed from the requested course if you do not maintain your registration or do not successfully complete the course during the first 6 week session. 

6.  If your request does not meet one of the criteria above, you may request an override from the department using the Registration Override Request Process. However, unless exceptional circumstances exist, a student will be required to satisfy the pre-requisite course(s) prior to registering for the subsequent course. Use the "other" box to explain why you believe that your exception should be considered.

"Prior Approval Required" Error Message

When you receive this message it means that the enrollment in the course is restricted by the department and you must receive permission to enroll in this course. This is most often used for internship and independent study courses, but may apply to other courses as well if the department chooses to restrict enrollment. You may request an override from the department using the Registration Override Request Process and explain what you are trying to add and how it fits into your academic plan. Most departments have internship coordinators that you should work with prior to requesting permission to add that course. There are also steps for independent studies to be approved prior to requesting registration permission. You should connect with your faculty mentor, review the department website, or contact the department for further information before submitting one of these requests. 

"Closed Section" Error Message

This message means that the class has reached enrollment capacity. 

What to do if  you want to register for a closed course

• If the course you want to register for is closed, you need to realize that the class may be at maximum room capacity and no space is available to add another student. You may continue to watch for seats to open in the class as there is a lot of time between the advanced registration period and the start of the semester. Keep checking on that course you are interested in, especially after the payment deadlines.
• Seek advising! Talk with an advisor in the CECI Undergraduate Advising Center to brainstorm ways to satisfy your requirements and take a look at the big picture of your academic plan. 
• If you ABSOLUTELY need a closed course or a closed section of a particular course to meet graduation timelines this year you may request a capacity override from the department using the Registration Override Request Process and provide a compelling reason for why you need that specific course or section in that semester to meet graduation goals for this year. However, please note that due to space and instruction limitations, capacity overrides may not be possible even with an extremely compelling reason! 

**Please note: The CECI Undergraduate Advising Center does not have the authority to grant closed class permits.