How to Enroll (Register) in CUNYfirst

Enrollment Actions

Enroll
This action is selected when you want to add a course; see the detailed step-by-step instructions below.

Drop
This action is selected when you want to remove (or withdraw) from a course. Please make sure to consult the academic calendar for drop and withdrawal dates.

Swap
This action is used to exchange one course for another. This action will not allow the first course to drop unless the second coursecan be added. If the second coursereturns any error, the first course will not be dropped. This is the only way course changes should be attempted; doing so via individualenroll and drop actions can result in the loss of classes.

Steps to Enroll in Courses

  1. Log in to CUNYfirst byentering your username and password.
  2. From the Enterprise Menu on the left side select "HR / Campus Solutions."
  3. Select "Self-Service."
  4. Select "Student Center."
  5. Under Academics select "Enroll."
  6. Click on "Search for Classes" (see How to Search for Classes in CUNYfirst).
  7. Change the term to the term you wish to register for.
  8. Look for "Find Classes" and make sure that "Class Search" is selected.
  9. Search for classes by department.
  10. Choose your desired class by clicking "Select Class."
  11. Click "Next."
  12. The course will be placed in your shopping cart.
  13. Repeat until you have selected all your desired classes (see Tip #2).
  14. Go to shopping cart and click "Enroll."
  15. Click "Proceed to Step 2 of 3."
  16. Click "Finish Enrolling."

Enrollment Tips

Tip #1
CUNYfirst does not support Google Chrome; use Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer or Safari.Confirm the browser is set to allow pop-ups from the CUNYfirst site.

Tip #2
Adding a class to your shopping cart does not hold an open seat.To complete the registration for each class as you select it, click "Enroll" after adding each class to your shopping cart. Repeat as necessary until you have completed your registration.

Tip #3
For information and FAQ on CUNYfirst, log into the BC WebCentral Portal, select CUNYfirst from the left-hand navigational menu, and then select desired topic from the drop-down menu.

Enrollment (Registration) Status / Error Messages Explained

Enrollment Status
When enrolling in classes, each enrollment (registration) attempt —Enroll, Drop, or Swap —will result in one of three statuses:

  • Success— This indicates a successful transaction.
  • Message— This indicates a successful transaction, but there is additional information regarding the transaction or course. Click on the word "Message" to view detailed information.
  • Errors— This indicates an unsuccessful enrollment transaction. You must click on the word "Error" to see the reason the enrollment transaction was unsuccessful. There are many error messages in the system; the most common errors are listed below. If you are looking for an error that does not appear on the list, remember to click on the word "Error" in the enrollment request screen for a detailed explanation.

Most Common Enrollment (Registration) Error Messages

Error Type / CUNYfirst Message / Explanation / Action Needed
Closed Class / Not Enrolled, Class 55555 (class #) Is Full / The course is full / closed. Select an alternate section or see the academic department for an overtally. Once an overtally is obtained, you must then register for the course.
Departmental Consent Required / Departmental. Consent is needed to enroll in the class. Theadd transaction was not processed. / Departmental consentis obtained by visiting the academic department offering the course. Permission must be entered into CUNYfirst by the department. Once permission is obtained, you must register for the course. See your MHC advisor for consent to register for sections that end in “H”
Hold on Record / There is a hold on this record, preventing the add from being processed. The hold must be removed to process the add transaction. / Holds are also known as service indicators (stops). To view your active service indicators in CUNYfirst, navigate to Self-Service > Student Center; look for "Holds" in a blue box, and click on details. The details will provide information on which department to contact to resolve the hold.
No Valid Appointment / No Valid Appointment Found / See your MHC advisor if you don’t have an appointment.
Requisites / Requirements have not been met to enroll in the specified class. / The missing prerequisites orcorequisites will be listed at the bottom of the message.
Maximum Session Unit Load / Maximum Session Unit Load Exceeded / The maximum number of credits allowed in spring or fall semesters is 18, and seven per each summer and winter session. If it is necessary to enroll above the stated limits for any semester, speak to your Macaulay advisor.
Time Conflict / A scheduling conflict exists with a currently enrolled class. / Select another class or speak with your MHC advisor about how to override the time conflict.