I love registering for classes.  I usually start well in advance of the first actual registration date, searching through the available courses, taking detailed notes about the ones I might like.  I've always gotten excited about choosing classes, especially in the early days of my college career.  Back then, I'd trek over to Potter Hall and pick up my bulletin, hot off the press, its ink staining my hands.  I could hardly wait to bust out the highlighter and start choosing my classes.  First, of course, I'd highlight my "priority registration date" and commit it to memory.  When the big day arrived, I'd hit the phones - yep, we did it by phone - as early as possible to avoid the dreaded busy signal.  I can't believe that's the way we used to register.  Imagine before that, some students actually doing it - heaven forbid - on paper?!?!  The horror.  Obviously I am the type who prefers to hide in her cave and avoid human contact, so online classes are perfect for me.  I was hooked after my first one, Human Nutrition, but I didn't really take many more until I switched my major to Interdisciplinary Studies.  Before that I was a Spanish Major and there's not much you can do with that online.  Back to the registration, though.  This semester I was especially excited about choosing classes, because I planned to register for my first graduate courses!  Browsing through the available classes, I realized my long stint with online education would be coming to a close.  Even that couldn't dampen my enthusiasm, though, as I clicked the button that would place me on the roster of a 500-level course!  What did dampen my enthusiasm was the message from Topnet that I am not allowed to register for these classes.  What?  Why?  I meet the requirements; I can do it, I promise!  I'll pay attention to my due dates and plan thoughtful responses before I speak up in class.  I'll act like a grad student, really!  I'm definitely old enough to be a grad student.  Ha.  So, I contacted the head of the English department, though looking back, that seems like a silly place to start.  She directed me to the Graduate Studies Department.  The nice person who answers the phone there told me I have to apply for admission to Graduate Studies as a non-degree seeking student.  Then I'll be able to register for the classes I want.  So I'm getting closer to being able to register.  Now if I can just make it through this semester...