Automated Waitlist Notification FAQ
Beginning with Summer 2026, we will be using Automated Waitlist Notifications in CougarNet to help students get registered. When a seat opens up in a course with a waitlist, the first student on that waitlist will be notified via email from servicecenter@siue.edu. The seat will be held for them for 72 hours. After this period, if the student has not registered for the course, they will be dropped from the waitlist. Either next student in line will be notified, or the seat will become available for open enrollment.
If you are having any issues with registration, contact the Service Center at servicecenter@siue.edu or 618-650-2080. We are located in Rendleman Hall, Room 1309, from Monday-Friday, 8:00 -4:30.
Q. Am I automatically registered for my class when a seat opens up?
No. The notification will arrive automatically, but you still need to change your registration within 72 hours to claim the open seat.
Q. What should I do when I get a waitlist email?
You can update your registration in CougarNet. Just as if you were adding or dropping a course, you can go to Register for Classes in CougarNet, then select the term. In the Summary box in the lower left corner, you'll see a list of your classes, including those you waitlisted. Just change the Action in the drop-down menu to Registered via Web or Drop via Web, and you're good to go!
Q. What if I miss my email?
You have a period of 72 hours in which to register, starting from when the email arrives. Make sure you are checking your SIUE email address regularly, including the spam folder. If, at the end of the 72 hours, you haven't registered, you will be dropped from the waitlist.
Q. Can my advisor add me to the class?
Yes, your advisor will be notified at the same time as you and can register you for your class. If you are planning to be away without access to your email for a prolonged period of time, you may want to let your advisor know and ask them to register you if you get notified of an open seat.
Q. If I get dropped off the waitlist, can I add myself back?
Yes, if there are waitlist seats available you can add yourself back. However, the waitlist is organized on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will join at the end of the waitlist as if this was your first time adding yourself.
Q. What if I've changed my mind about taking this class?
No problem! Just drop the class in CougarNet or wait for your time to expire.
Q. I got the email inviting me to register, but when I try, I get an error message.
Check for the following issues:
- You have a scheduling conflict with the course you waitlisted. You must drop the conflicting course before you can register for this one.
- You are already registered for another section of this course. You will have to drop that section before you can add this one.
- You have a hold on your student account that prevents you from registering. You need to resolve this hold, or contact the Service Center for help.
If you have received a waitlist notification, but there are no open seats apparent in the class, you should contact the Service Center as soon as possible.
