How to prepare for Priority Registration: Q&A with an academic advisor

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2026) — Students are more than halfway through the fall semester, which means it’s time to start preparing for Priority Registration. 

Jaime Wainscott, senior director of academic advising in the Office for Student Success, joined UKNow to discuss the best ways to prepare.  

UKNow: When does registration for the upcoming semester begin, and where can students find their assigned registration date and time? 

Wainscott: Priority Registration for the Spring 2027 term runs from Nov. 2 through Nov. 24. Students can find their assigned registration window and review any registration holds by logging into myUK, navigating to the Degree Planning and Registration section. Any active holds will be displayed on the home page, along with information about the hold and who to contact for assistance. Additional information about Priority Registration, including registration dates and helpful resources, is available on the University Registrar’s website.

UKNow: How are students assigned registration windows, and what factors determine when they can register? 

Wainscott: For undergraduate students, registration windows are primarily determined by their degree completion percentage, which they can view in myUK GPS degree audit. Students who are further along in their degree programs generally register earlier. Some student populations, including honors students, student-athletes and students with specific accommodations, may qualify for earlier registration windows.   

UKNow: What should students do if a required class is full? 

Wainscott: If a course is full, students should first check whether another section of the course has available seats. If no sections are available, consider whether the course must be taken in the upcoming semester or if it can be completed later without delaying progress toward graduation. Students who are unsure of their options should connect with their academic advisor, so they can help identify alternative courses, review degree requirements and explore possible next steps, including whether an instructor or department may be able to provide an enrollment override. A full course doesn't necessarily mean students are out of options. We encourage students to reach out so we can help them explore a path forward. 

UKNow: How does the waitlist system work?   

Wainscott: Some courses offer a waitlist when all available seats are filled. Students can join an available waitlist through myUK. If a seat opens, the next eligible student on the waitlist is automatically enrolled, and other students move up in position. Not all courses offer waitlists, and being on a waitlist does not guarantee enrollment. Students should check their schedules in myUK regularly to monitor their status. Once enrolled, the course status will change from “Waitlisted” to “BOOKED.” Students should also consider having an alternative course plan in case a seat does not become available.   

UKNow: Who should students contact if they have questions about prerequisites, course restrictions or permission to enroll in a class? 

Wainscott: Academic advisors are a great first point of contact for questions about prerequisites, course restrictions and enrollment requirements. They can help students understand course eligibility and determine the appropriate next steps. Some courses may require special permission or an override from the instructor or department offering the course. An academic advisor can help students identify who to contact and explore other course options if needed. 

UKNow: Can students change their schedules after their initial registration window, and are there deadlines or restrictions they should know about?   

Wainscott: Yes. Students can make changes to their schedules after their initial registration window. However, they should pay close attention to the university’s add, drop and withdrawal deadlines, as these can affect academic records and tuition charges. For Spring 2027, the last day to add a full-semester course is Jan. 15, and the last day to drop a full-semester course without it appearing on the transcript is Jan. 29. Different deadlines may apply to courses offered in shorter sessions. Before making significant schedule changes, students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor to understand how changes could affect their degree progress.  

UKNow: What advice would you give students to help them prepare for registration and avoid common problems? 

Wainscott: My biggest piece of advice is to plan ahead and take an active role in your academic planning. Start by scheduling an appointment with your academic advisor before your registration window opens. Before your appointment, review your degree audit, explore course options and make a list of questions you want to discuss. Your advisor can help you review your progress, explore opportunities and develop a plan for the upcoming semester. As your registration window approaches, revisit your planned courses to check availability and make any needed adjustments. Be sure to check for registration holds and know when your window opens so you’re ready to register. Academic advising is a partnership. Your advisor is here to provide guidance, help you explore options and support you in making informed decisions, but you play an important role in shaping your academic journey. If you encounter challenges during registration, don’t hesitate to reach out. Drop-in advising is a great resource for additional advising assistance without a scheduled appointment.  

To support students during Priority Registration, University Advising is hosting Big Blue Nation Registration today, Nov. 2. Visit the University Academic Advising table at the Gatton Student Center for basic registration assistance and help connecting with your home advising office. 

Find more information about colleges’ drop-in advising during Priority Registration at studentsuccess.uky.edu/academic-advising/big-blue-nation-registration-drop-advising.