FAQs - School of Social Work Registrar's Office
Is there more than one registrar’s office at the University of Michigan?Yes. There is the University's Office of the Registrar located on the first floor of the LS&A building, and there are in some cases school/college registrars. The School of Social Work also has a registrar’s office located in room 1772 of the School of Social Work building. The two offices provide different functions but very related ones. In some cases, students may be referred to the University's Office of the Registrar.
What is Wolverine Access?This is the gateway to administrative systems at the University of Michigan and is the system used for many tasks, including registering for classes, applying for graduation, and viewing student accounts.
What is Backpack?This is the process of placing classes a student intends to register for into a "backpack" in Wolverine Access. This process is required in order to register. Students can place more classes in a backpack than they intend to register for, but they will be limited as to how many they can actually enroll in. Students should plan on setting up backpacks prior to their registration appointment time.
How do I register for classes?Registration is an online process through Wolverine Access and requires a registration appointment time.
When do I register for classes?Students register during the summer preceding the fall term in which they will begin the MSW program, specifically, during the registration appointment date provided in Wolverine Access. Students can register after this date but are encouraged to register on the date scheduled as classes do fill up. After paying their deposit, students can schedule a registration appointment time/date by calling the Office of Student Services at 734-936-0961.
How can I drop a class?Students can drop a class through their schedule in Wolverine Access until the drop/add deadline determined by the University academic calendar on the University's Office of the Registrar website. Students cannot drop all registered elections under any given program in a term. (see How do I withdraw or disenroll from the term).
How can I add a class?Students can add a class through their schedule in Wolverine Access until the drop/add deadline determined by the University academic calendar on the University's Office of the Registrar website.
How do I withdraw or disenroll from the term?Students who wish to drop all elections in a given term and who do so prior to the first day of classes (according to the University Academic Calendar) for the term can do so by contacting the University Registrar, 1207 LSA building, ro.registration.questions@umich.edu.
Students should also inform the School’s Office of Student Services or Registrar’s Office if they disenroll during this time frame. On or following the first day of classes, students must obtain the written approval of the School of Social Work before the university registrar will withdraw them from all course elections for the term. Contact Tim Colenback (timot@umich.edu), Erin Zimmer (elpena@umich.edu), or Michelle Woods (micwoods@umich.edu) in the Office of Student Services, and notify the School registrar in writing. If the withdrawal is approved, the appropriate notification will be sent to the university registrar requesting the withdrawal.
When do classes begin?
The social work academic calendar can vary slightly from the University calendar. The first day of social work classes in fall (September 8, 2009) and winter terms is the same date as the University calendar. The first day of social work classes in spring/summer term is the first Monday on or following the first day of classes on the University calendar.
When do classes end?The social work academic calendar can vary slightly from the University calendar. The last day of social work classes in the fall and winter terms will be the same date or earlier as listed on the University calendar. The last day of social work classes in the spring/summer term is quite a bit earlier than the University calendar due to the teaching of classes in 4-hour time blocks.
How do I change from the 16-month schedule to the 20-month schedule?
Students should contact the Office of Student Services prior to enrollment in their first term in the MSW program. After the beginning of the fall term, an Out-of-Sequence Petition must be completed and approved.
How do I change from the 20-month schedule to the 16-month schedule?Students should contact the Office of Student Services prior to enrollment in their first term in the MSW program. After the beginning of the fall term, an Out-of-Sequence Petition must be completed and approved.
What if I need verification of enrollment?A Request form for this purpose is available in the SSW Registrar’s Office, 1772 SSWB. Students must be registered for classes before this can be provided.
What if I need verification of my expected graduation date?A Request form for this purpose is available in the Registrar’s Office, 1772 SSWB.
How do I find a schedule of social work class offerings?Students will find the class schedules on the School of Social Work website.
How do I register for a class outside of social work?Students can sometimes register for classes through Wolverine Access once their registration appointment time for the term has arrived. If this is not the case, the school or college offering the class may have to give special permission, and students should contact them directly.
What if Wolverine Access will not allow me to enroll in a social work class?A number of issues could be the reason. Students should note the message they receive when the system rejects the attempt to enroll. If the class is closed or restricted, students will need to file a closed course petition to try to gain entry. If the message indicates that the credit hours allowed have been exceeded, the student may need to file a Petition to Register Over 18 Credit Hours. Ultimately students who can’t resolve the problem may contact the SSW Registrar’s office for assistance (1772 SSWB, 734-764-7283, ssw.registrar@umich.edu). It is best to speak with us versus email in these situations.
How do I register for a special/independent study course?Students must first complete a Special/Independent Studies Recording form, available on the SSW website and in the School Registrar’s office. Once submitted with any of the necessary approvals/signatures, the school recorder will enter an electronic permission into Wolverine Access, which will generate an email informing students of their ability to enroll.
What if I encounter a closed class during registration?Students who wish to try to gain entry to a closed course need to submit a Petition to Enter a Closed Course.
What if I need to request my social work academic transcript?Current and many former students with a uniqname and University Kerberos password can order transcripts online through Wolverine Access. Transcript requests are processed through the University registrar.
How do I find out if I’ve met all my requirements to graduate?Students can access their Degree Progress Report in Wolverine Access. (Note: This is not an appropriate tool for dual degree students.) Faculty advisors may also be able to assist in this matter. The School’s Office of the Registrar may also be of assistance once a student has submitted the application for graduation.
Who verifies my master of social work degree for state licensure?The State of Michigan requires applicants to submit the Michigan Department of Community Health Certification of Social Work Education form to verify the MSW degree. Section II of this form, is completed by the University registrar. To save campus mailing time, students can submit the form to the University registrar at 1210 LSA building. For your convenience, students can also submit it to the SSW Registrar at 1772 SSWB, and we will forward it to the University registrar. Forms requiring educational verification for states outside of Michigan may also be directed to the School Social Work Registrar’s Office (1772 SSWB).
How do a register if I am dual degree?This can vary from student to student depending on individual circumstances. The general rule is this: Register for the courses needed to fulfill MSW degree requirements under the appropriate social work program. Also register for the courses needed to fulfill the other program’s degree requirements (i.e. Rackham). Additional questions about which program to enroll classes under can be directed to the School registrar.
Under what circumstances do I need to complete an Out-of-Sequence Petition?Anytime students plan to enroll in credit hours or in a term of field instruction that is not one of the typical field schedules, they must complete and submit an Out of Sequence Petition. This includes a number of dual degree students. This is also the case when changing from 16-month to 20-month or vice versa since this changes the field schedule. Extended degree students must submit the petition prior to the term in which they plan to begin field instruction. All joint MSW/PhD students must complete this petition.
How do I find out about registration in future terms?Registration for continuing students for winter term takes place the proceeding November. Registration for continuing students for both the spring/summer and fall terms takes place at the same time the proceeding March. Notifications of the specific dates are communicated by the School of Social Work registrar via email and posted on the SSW website approximately 2 weeks in advance.