Schools Does anyone know who administers courses in a university?

AI Thread Summary
Course conflicts can significantly hinder degree completion, prompting the need for guidance on resolving them. In the USA, the first step is to consult an academic advisor within the major department, as they handle waivers and substitutions for required courses. If multiple sections exist, switching to a different section may be possible, even if a course appears full, as instructors can often accommodate students. It's advisable to start discussions with course instructors to seek approval before escalating the issue through the academic hierarchy, which may involve committees at various levels depending on the nature of the conflict.In Canada, similar processes apply, with academic advisors playing a crucial role. The individual in the discussion is considering taking a course at a community college to avoid conflicts, but they express a strong preference for a specific elective, Differential Geometry, over a substitute elective, Mathematical Biology, due to its relevance to their academic goals.
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The reason I ask this because I have about two conflicts for my timetable and it's holding me back from completing my degree sooner.

Does anyone know who, in a university, handles course conflicts? I know it depends on what university I go to, but could someone give me a general idea?

Thank you
 
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It would help to at least know what country you're in.

In the USA, I would say, first go to an academic advisor in your major department (assuming these are courses required for your major). Any waivers to the major requirements (e.g. substituting one course for another) generally have to be approved by the department, or at least originate with them for approval by someone higher up in the academic bureaucracy.

If there are multiple sections of the courses involved, you may be able to switch to another section of one course. Even if the course is "full", instructors often have the power to admit you if you ask/beg them nicely enough.
 
Just to add, we also have a few student advising centers at the college and university levels to assist with these sorts of problems.

You didn't say what kind of conflict exists, but in general start with the course instructors to at least get some sort of approval. From there you may have to work your way up to the college or university level- for example, course waivers for graduation below 2 credit hours can be approved by the Department, below 4 requires approval from the college (not the Dean- a committee), and beyond that it goes to the Provost.
 
I am in Canada, but things should work the same way.

I am thinking of taking the class at a community college, I just hope there is no conflict there too...

The two courses in conflict are indeed requirements, but one of them is an "elective" meaning I could replace it with another "elective" required course, but I don't want to.

So I want I take to Diff Geo, but I could also replace it with Math Bio for my major, but I feel Diff Geo is much more useful for my academic career.
 
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