There may be several reasons why students receive a registration error message during the registration process. Some of these issues are related to not having met the pre-requisite course requirements, not having the right class standing or major, or attempting to register for a course which requires permission to enter (such as an internship or independent study). Students may also be asking for permission to enter a section that is already enrolled to capacity. 

• Learn more about the different registration error messages
• View more information about the registration override process for these error messages
  • Pre-Requisite Not Met (Also includes Class Restriction and Major Restriction error messages)
  • Prior Approval Required
  • Closed Section

"Pre-requisite Not Met" Error Message

What are Pre-Requisites?

Pre-requisite requirements are courses or other classifications (class standing, minimum GPA, permission of instructor, etc.) that need to be completed PRIOR to another course. Pre-requisite courses provide the background information or appropriate standing necessary for a more likely successful experience in a course. 

How are Pre-Requisites Enforced?

The university uses an automated check of students’ records - including transfer work and test scores - at the time of registration in myBanner to determine whether students have successfully completed the pre-requisites for certain courses. The online catalog lists pre-requisites in the course descriptions. You will be permitted to register only if you have satisfactorily completed or are currently enrolled in the pre-requisites for the course, or have departmental approval to be in the course.

Satisfactory completion means:

• Meeting the minimum grade requirement by completion of a GVSU course or an equivalent transfer class.
• Having a test score that meets the requirement.

If students have not completed and are not registered for the pre-requisite, they will receive a pre-requisite error message when trying to register. If students are currently enrolled in the prerequisite course Banner anticipates successful completion of the required pre-requisite and will allow students to register for the subsequent class.

What should students do if they receive a "Pre-requisite Not Met" Error Message?

1. If students have not yet satisfied the pre-requisite course requirement(s), they will need to revise their academic plan to satisfy the pre-requisite course(s) prior to registering for the subsequent course so that they are academically prepared and have the background necessary to be successful. Students should NOT submit a registration override request without first seeking advising to review their academic plan to determine if it's absolutely necessary to keep on track for graduation. 

2. If students have already completed the pre-requisite requirement(s) through AP or CLEP testing. If students receive a registration error message but believe they have met the requirement through CLEP or AP testing, it means that GVSU does not have an official test score on file. Students should request official score results from the reporting agency directly to GVSU Records, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401. The university cannot accept photocopies of a score report. Students may request an override from the department using the Override Request link at the bottom of the registration site in Banner and explain that they have AP/CLEP test score as the reason for why they should be provided with permission. Students may be removed from the requested course if they do not provide proof of pre-requisite completion prior to the start of the semester.

3. If students have already completed the pre-requisite requirement(s) through course work at another institution but it's not showing on MyBanner records. Students may request an override from the department using the Override Request link at the bottom of the registration site in Banner  and indicate this as the reason and provide the school and course numbers for the missing classes. Students should then request an official transcript be submitted from the other institution directly to GVSU Records, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401. The university cannot accept photocopies or unofficial copies of transcript to update student records. Students may be removed from the requested course if they fail to provide proof of pre-requisite completion prior to the start of the semester.

4. If students are enrolled, or plan to enroll, for the pre-requisite requirement(s) through course work at another institution prior to taking the subsequent course at GVSU. Students may request an override from the department using the Override Request link at the bottom of the registration site in Banner  and indicate this as the reason and provide the school and course numbers for the missing classes. After completion of the course(s), students should request an official transcript from the other institution directly to GVSU Records, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401. We cannot accept photocopies or unofficial copies of transcripts to update student records. Students may be removed from the requested course if they fail to provide proof of pre-requisite completion prior to the start of the semester.

5. If students are enrolled, or plan to enroll, for the pre-requisite requirement(s) through course work at GVSU in the first six week session of Spring/Summer prior to taking the subsequent course at GVSU the second six week session of Spring/Summer. myBanner cannot distinguish first 6 weeks from second 6 weeks and considers it to be one semester. Students may request an override from the department using the Override Request link at the bottom of the registration site in Banner  and indicate this as the reason for the request. Students may be removed from the requested course if they do not maintain registration or do not successfully complete the course during the first 6 week session. 

6.  If the request does not meet one of the criteria above, students may request an override from the department using the Override Request link at the bottom of the registration site in Banner. However, unless exceptional circumstances exist, a student will be required to satisfy the pre-requisite course(s) prior to registering for the subsequent course. Students should use the "other" box to explain why they believe that an exception should be considered and granted.

"Prior Approval Required" Error Message

When students receive this message it means that the enrollment in the course is restricted by the department and they must receive permission to enroll in this course. This is most often used for internship and independent study courses, but may apply to other courses as well if the department chooses to restrict enrollment. Students may request an override from the department using the Override Request link at the bottom of the registration site in Banner  and explain what they are trying to add and how it fits into their academic plan. There are steps for independent studies to be approved prior to requesting registration permission. Students should connect with their faculty mentor, review the department website, or contact the department for further information before submitting one of these requests. 

"Closed Section" Error Message

This message means that the class has reached enrollment capacity. 

What to do if students want to register for a closed course

• If the course requested is closed, students need to realize that the class may be at maximum room capacity and no space is available to add another student. Students may continue to watch for seats to open in the class as there is a lot of time between the advanced registration period and the start of the semester. Students should keep checking on that course, especially after the payment deadlines.
• Seek advising! Students should talk with an advisor to brainstorm ways to satisfy requirements and take a look at the big picture of their academic plan. 
• If students ABSOLUTELY need a closed course or a closed section of a particular course to meet graduation timelines this year, they may request a capacity override from the department using the Override Request link at the bottom of the registration site in Banner  and provide a compelling reason for why that specific course or section in that semester is needed to meet graduation goals for this year. However, please note that due to space and instruction limitations, capacity overrides may not be possible even with an extremely compelling reason!