Although registration for the 2012-2013 school year is nearly complete, students will be able to alter their schedules after the March 1 deadline–but not without hassle.

A lot of students have been worried that past the March 1st registration deadline, they won’t be able to change their schedule for the next school year, or drop any classes. According to assistant principal of student services Jason Ness, this isn’t completely true.

“This March 1st deadline isn’t exactly portrayed correctly,” said Ness. “March 1st is the time we lock down the schedules and determine the sections. We need the deadline to be able to determine courses and what are low enrollments. During this process, there can’t be ton of movement. But afterwards, we develop the master schedule and that’s what we run.”

This so-called “March 1st deadline” rule, isn’t exactly a rule at all, more of a guideline. This guideline has pretty much always been around, according to Ness.

“This has always been a process… We look at your four year plan and your goals and make sure to align you with the right courses,” said Ness.

However, the process of dropping a class will become more difficult next year, according to principal Kaine Osburn.

“A student can’t just drop a class and completely change around their schedule… We’re restricting the amount of classes being dropped,” Osburn said.

Students used to have the freedom of going straight to their counselor to drop a class, but next year, the process will be more restricted, Ness said.

“Conversations are key,” he said. “To drop the class, there will be a conversation with the parents, and with the teacher and their counselor. The student also has to fill out a form explaining why. This form goes to the teacher and director first, instead of the counselors first. Then they have to sign the form… A parent signature will be needed on the form also.”

Students say this process sounds grueling.

“That’s a lot of work,” said sophomore Kevin Haddad. “Your counselor knows what’s best for you and you know what’s best for you. You might as well just go to your counselor to drop the class.”

Some students said they find the deadline intimidating.

“I think changing your schedule shouldn’t have a deadline,” Haddad said. “You should be able to change it whenever you want, without any complications.”

Students should schedule an appointment with their counselors as soon as possible if they need to tweak anything in your schedule, Ness said.

“We’re just focusing on taking courses best for the students. They have to take the ones that match their potential… We want as many educationally stimulating classes as possible, it never hurts down the road,” Ness said.