Abstract:

Research and anecdotal experiences suggest that late student course registration impacts student success as measured by a students’ final course grade in online courses. While previous research has shown late registration is not a direct cause of poor performance in courses, there is a correlation between poor performance and late registration; for example, poor ability to organize or manage time.

Observations from faculty, academic advisors, and administrators often indicate that students who register late encounter additional challenges in keeping up with course requirements, understanding initial course material, and engaging fully with an online course community. These challenges suggest that registration timing may serve as a useful indicator of students who may require extra support, even if late registration is not the direct cause of lower academic performance.

Since much of the research on this topic was conducted during a pre-COVID environment, we explored this issue by researching our own courses to determine whether late registration is a direct cause or simply a correlation of poor grades. The educational landscape has changed considerably in recent years, and patterns observed before the pandemic may not fully represent current student experiences, especially as online courses have become increasingly in demand. By analyzing data from their own courses, the researchers determined if there is a correlation between final grades and late registration and compare this to previous research.

Whether there is direct or indirect correlation due to other factors, the researchers explored possible aspects that impact this phenomenon, such as procrastination, poor time management, poor self-regulation, structural disadvantages (such as financial aid issues), and missed course content. Additionally, the researchers address solutions to help late-registered students, including strategies to identify students at risk earlier and suggest course retention strategies that online faculty can implement. Addressing these issues can help improve student engagement, enhance course outcomes, and provide targeted support to students who may be at risk due to late registration, ultimately promoting overall academic success and retention.

Keywords:

Student success, distance education, online education.