# Scheduling # New Student Registration Guide & FAQ Page — Education & Staff Ministry Program Welcome to Martin Luther College! The information on these pages will help you register for the proper courses as you begin your preparation for ministry! **Please read through this entire document before beginning.** ## Scheduling Resources Use this page as a “registration central” for your process. It contains important instructions and links to help you. The **Navigation panels on the left** give quick access to important sections. Here are links to other helpful resources. - The [**MLC Undergraduate Catalog** ](https://mlc-wels.edu/undergraduate-catalog/) - pp. 44-46 provides details about general education requirements. These pages also list all the general education course menus. - pp. 47-72 provide details about the Education & Staff Ministry program requirements and curriculum. - pp. 86-107 provide course descriptions for specific courses. - [**MLC Portal**](http://portal.mlc-wels.edu/) is where you access your Program Plan and the Schedule Planner. - Consult [**General Education Courses** ](https://mlc-wels.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/07/General-Education-Courses-2022-23.pdf)for requirements and menu options. - Consult the**[ Course Status](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/nwpp/Scheduling/coursestatus.php?&year=202324&sem=1)** (toggle between semesters as needed) and the **[5-Year Master Plan](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/nwpp/Scheduling/fiveyearplan.php)** on the Portal to see which years and semesters courses are offered. ## Getting Started - **Read through the Education & Staff Ministry FAQs** at the end of this page (use Navigation Panel on left). They answer many questions and provide specific information for your major. Read carefully to be aware of specific requirements for some courses (e.g., PE, math, vocal/choral, piano/organ). Middle & secondary majors should pay attention to scheduling nuances noted in order to stay on track with their program. - **Follow your program plan** located on your directory page of the MLC Portal. Your specific program codes are listed. Below those, you will find a link to a program plan. It either directly matches your program or is the closest approximation we have. If you have an uncommon major combination, there may not be a link to a program plan. You will need to find the individual program plans for each of your majors on the portal under Scheduling > **[Program Plan PDFs](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/Scheduling/programplanpdfs.php?year=202627)**. Be sure to select the plan year that matches each of your major program codes on your directory page. - - If you have decided to change your major or program from what is listed in your registration letter, you need to notify the MLC Registrar, Mrs. Kelly Diersen, at 507.354.8221 ext. 222 or via email at [registrar@mlc-wels.edu](https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=registrar@mlc-wels.edu). - If you took an AP test, please be sure you have asked the College Board to submit your scores to MLC. The MLC code for reporting scores is 6435. (See pp. 25-26 in the **[Undergraduate Catalog](https://mlc-wels.edu/undergraduate-catalog/)** for a list of AP exams, minimum required score, and corresponding MLC course.) Check your **[Unofficial Transcript](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/nwpp/Grades/transcript.php)** after approximately July 8 to see what credits you have earned. - If you took a college course during high school, be sure you have requested that the college from which you earned credits send an official transcript to MLC for a formal transcript evaluation. Once this process is completed, check your **[Unofficial Transcript](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/nwpp/Grades/transcript.php)** to see what credits have transferred. - **Plan your program** using the **Program Planner** on the Portal. (Portal > Scheduling > Program Planner) - - Click “Create New.” - Click “Use Standard Plan,” then either: - Select “No Plan." You will then drag and drop all of your courses into the semesters. - Select the plan for your chosen major. This will import courses for your specific program plan. Note: If you have chosen a double major that isn’t a “traditional” double major, you will see options for both plans. Select one. Then, when you view the plan, click on the “Run Audit” button. This will show the courses in the second major that are missing and will need to be dragged and dropped into semesters - Enter a name you would like for this program planner (e.g., First-year Scheduling Plan) in the “Plan Name” field. - Click “View.” - A plan for your program will populate on this screen. The courses will show in the semesters according to your chosen major’s program plan and according to the years/semesters those courses are offered. - Click on the Audit tab. This will show any courses that may need to be added to a semester. To see all courses in your plan, click on the “See all in plan” button. - You can edit this plan to reflect personal preferences, anticipated AP or transfer courses, etc. Drag and drop courses to the appropriate semester or drag and drop them to the left under the summary to remove them from the semester. ## Watch the Scheduling Video After reading everything, watch the **[Scheduling Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYW-xF1y4xo)** for a visual guide on how to use the MLC Portal Schedule Planner. ## Planning Your Schedule Log on to [**MLC Portal**](http://portal.mlc-wels.edu/) using your **[MLC Account username and password, ](https://help.mlc-wels.edu/books/mlc-accounts)**which you set up earlier. **[Contact MLC IT Services](http://mlc-wels.edu/support)** if you have issues logging in. Select the “Scheduling” tab and then: 1. Select “Schedule Planner” 2. Select “Preference” for personal preference choices (you do not need to do this, but it may be helpful with first planning). 3. Select “Modify Courses” to select courses and the semester you desire. You can add courses in two ways: - Click on “Import Courses from Plan” and choose the Program Planner template that you created in the “Getting Started” section. - Add individual courses. Courses are in the middle and are organized by course number. To put the course into a semester, click the “Add” button pointing to the appropriate semester. To switch semesters, you must delete the course from one semester and then use the “Add” button to put it in the other semester. 4. Select “Plan Schedule” to put the courses you have chosen into a weekly schedule. Be careful to note on the upper right the semester you are working with. You must develop a plan for both first and second semester if you are attending the full year. To switch between semesters in “Plan Schedule,” hover over 2026-27 Semester 1 in the upper right-hand corner and select 2026-27 Semester 2. 5. Select “Make It Fit” to design your schedule automatically according to the preferences you set in step #2 above. If a course does not fit, the course will appear in a white box on the left side of the screen. Clicking on the course in white will make potential meeting times appear in red boxes on the schedule grid. If you are unable to make your schedule fit your selected courses, you must go back to “Modify Courses” to make changes, by either switching semesters or dropping a course and adding another one. Many first-year courses are offered both semesters. 6. Note: To the left of your registration time, it will say "not approved." You can disregard that. Incoming new students do not need their schedules approved before finalizing. If you have conflicts that you are not able to resolve, please contact the MLC Scheduling Help Desk at 507.233.9102. Your plan is automatically saved. You can go back to it any time through the **[MLC Portal](http://portal.mlc-wels.edu/)**. ## Registration Day Procedure You will be eligible to finalize your classes at your appointed time. Individual registration times can be found by selecting “Schedule Planner” under the “Scheduling” tab on the **[Portal](http://portal.mlc-wels.edu/)**. Times have been randomly assigned and are staggered. Registration for first-year students begins at 8 am on July 13. Reminder: To the left of your registration time, it will say "not approved." You can disregard that. Incoming new students do not need their schedules approved before finalizing. - Click on “Register” on the “Schedule Planner.” Note: This tab won't appear until your assigned registration day. - Click on “Finalize.” This finalizes the registration process. Your registration time will remain open until you complete registration by finalizing your schedule. It is in your best interest to schedule at the appointed time. IF YOU DO NOT FINALIZE YOUR SCHEDULE BY JULY 21, THE RECORDS OFFICE MAY SCHEDULE FOR YOU. ## Important Dates - **Week of June 22, 2026** | Receive your scheduling instructions in the mail. - **June 22 - July 10, 2026** | Begin planning your schedule in the MLC Portal Schedule Planner. - - *(See MLC Scheduling Help Desk contact information and availability below.)* - **July 13 - July 16, 2026** | Online course registration is open. Please note the day and time for scheduling. - - *(See MLC Scheduling Help Desk contact information and availability below.)* - **July 21, 2026** | Final Day for Self-registration ## MLC Scheduling Help Desk If you have any questions, call the MLC Scheduling Help Desk. The people at the Help Desk are there to help you with your scheduling needs. **MLC Scheduling Help Desk Availability** **June 22 - July 10, 2026** - By phone: 507.233.9102 - - 8 am to 4 pm CDT Monday - Thursday - 8 am to 12 pm CDT Friday - By email to [records@mlc-wels.edu](https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=records@mlc-wels.edu) **July 13 - July 17, 2026** - By phone: 507.233.9102 - - 8 am to 8 pm CDT Monday - Wednesday - 8 am to 6 pm CDT Thursday - 8 am to 12 pm CDT Friday **After July 17, 2026** - By phone: 507.233.9102 - - 8 am to 4 pm CDT Monday - Thursday - 8 am to 12 pm CDT Friday - By email to [regoffice@mlc-wels.edu](https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=registrar@mlc-wels.edu) ## FAQs **Always refer to your program plan located on your directory page of the MLC Portal (or under Scheduling > [Program Plan PDFs)](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/Scheduling/programplanpdfs.php?year=202627), when selecting courses! Following the program plan will ensure that the appropriate general education electives are taken. Pay close attention to courses that are only offered in alternate years. Note that some courses are offered in both semesters and may be switched.** **Are there specific things to keep in mind for my first year?** Many first-year students take these courses: - ENG1303 Rhetoric and Composition – take opposite semester of Literature Seminar. - ENG1304 or ENG1305 or ENG1307 Literature Seminar – take opposite semester of ENG1303. - SCI1003 Biology Lecture and SCI100 Biology Lab must be taken in the same semester (listed in the sophomore year on the Elementary Ed/Spanish double major program plan). - Do not schedule multiple BHL courses (THE1001, THE1002, or THE2001) in the same semester. Do not begin with THE2001. Policies and other items to note: - Students **may not take more than 18 credit hours** per semester. You must be scheduled for 12 credits per semester to be considered full-time. You must take at least 12 credits in your program for full federal financial aid, and 15 credits if you receive a Minnesota State Grant. - Beyond 18 credit hours students may audit courses up to 21 total credit/audit hours. (Audits do not earn credit. Refer to the **[2025-26 Undergraduate Catalog](https://mlc-wels.edu/undergraduate-catalog/)** pg. 30 for audit policies.) - Students can audit choir, Wind Symphony, etc., after they have reached 18 credits. - Many courses can be taken in either semester during the first year (e.g., Rhetoric & Composition, Literature Seminar). ### APP - Advanced Placement Program **How do I schedule if I’ve taken AP courses?** If you have taken AP courses, please be sure that you had your scores sent to MLC. The courses you received credit for will be listed on your **[unofficial transcript](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/nwpp/Grades/transcript.php)** on the MLC Portal by approximately July 8. The **[unofficial transcript](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/nwpp/Grades/transcript.php)** is located on the MLC Portal. (After logging in, click “Grades” and select “**[Unofficial Transcript.](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/nwpp/Grades/transcript.php)**["](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/nwpp/Grades/transcript.php)). The AP courses, along with the scores required, are listed in the MLC Undergraduate Catalog. If the AP courses you received credit for are first-year courses, you can choose to take other courses in their place. If you need to schedule extra courses because your AP courses have fulfilled many of your first-year course requirements, you can look to schedule courses listed in the sophomore year of your program plan. However, it is best not to schedule sophomore EDU courses in your first year. ### English **Why are there English courses already in my schedule planner?** If your English ACT score was 17 or below, you may be required to take ENG0001 Essential Skills for College Composition and ENG1303 Rhetoric and Composition concurrently during your first semester of studies. ENG0001 does not fulfill any of the English requirements for graduation. *These courses will already appear in your schedule planner.* Consult the [**General Education Courses page**](https://mlc-wels.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/07/General-Education-Courses-2022-23.pdf) on the MLC website to view menu options. ### Fine Arts Elective **Which Fine Arts elective should I schedule?** If your program plan calls for a Fine Arts Elective in the first year, MUS2201 Introduction to Fine Arts or HIS3001 Survey of Art are available for you to schedule. If you wish to select a different course from the Fine Arts Electives menu in the **[MLC Undergraduate Catalog](https://mlc-wels.edu/undergraduate-catalog/)** and postpone taking the Fine Arts Elective until a later time, you can choose to take courses listed in the sophomore year of your program plan. However, it is best not to schedule sophomore EDU courses in your first year. **If you are considering a Music minor**, you should postpone the Fine Arts elective until a later year and replace the course with a different course from your program plan. Consult the **[General Education Courses page](https://mlc-wels.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/07/General-Education-Courses-2022-23.pdf)** on the MLC website to view menu options. ### Math **Which Math elective should I schedule?** If your program plan requires you to choose a math course, you are encouraged to choose a course based on your ACT score. Some program plans call for a “General Education Math Elective.” In this case, any of these courses can be selected. The semesters these courses are offered are listed below: - MTH1012 Organizational Personal Finance – take either semester. - MTH2010 Calculus I – take first semester only (prerequisite is a high school course in precalculus). - MTH2020 Elementary Statistics – take second semester only. - MTH2022 Discrete Math – take first semester only. ***Note:*** Students with an ACT mathematics score of 17/SAT of 470 or lower are required to complete MTH0003 Developmental Mathematics, which can be taken concurrently with MTH1012 Organizational and Personal Finance or before taking any other math courses. MTH0003 Developmental Mathematics does not fulfill any of the mathematics requirements for graduation. *These courses will already appear in your schedule planner.* ### Music **How do I schedule music courses?** Complete the Music Experience Inventory form online as soon as possible, even if you have no music experience. If you indicate an interest in joining Wind Symphony on the form, Wind Symphony will automatically be entered in your schedule planner. You must add all other music courses to your schedule planner. Schedule section 01 for piano, organ, choir, instrumental, and vocal lessons. After your Music Experience Inventory form has been reviewed and after your brief audition during student orientation week, your music course level may be adjusted in your schedule. You will also then be assigned an instructor for keyboard, instrument, and/or vocal lessons. Students registered for lessons will receive an email from their assigned instructor before the semester begins. It will include their assigned lesson time. Students desiring to participate in a choir should register for section 01 of the course in one of the following ways: 1. New students who are joining Wind Symphony, which meets fourth hour, should register for MUS2048 Chorale, which meets eighth hour. 2. New students who wish to sing in choir should register for MUS2038 Women’s Choir or MUS2039 Männerchor. Both of these choirs meet fourth hour. (Note: This does not exclude a student from being a part of Chorale, as a student will have an opportunity to express this at auditions.) **Your** **choir registration is a temporary registration until auditions are completed.** After the auditions, the choral conductors will place you into one of the choirs or determine that a vocal class will serve you better. If you are accepted into choir, the conductors will, if possible, attempt to honor the choir preference you included on the Music Course Placement and Inventory Form you completed online. However, placement of students into these choirs is also affected by the sizes of the choirs, balance of voice parts, and other considerations. All preferences may not be able to be accommodated. If you have added choir, MUS1103, or MUS1104 to your schedule planner, an audition time will be given to you during orientation week. For programs that have a vocal/choral requirement, this requirement can be met in the following ways (choose one option): 1. MUSxxx Choir (2 semesters) 2. MUS1103 Sight Singing Fundamentals and MUS1104 Vocal Skills (see note below) 3. MUS1103 Sight Singing Fundamentals and MUSxxxx Choir (1 semester) (see note below) 4. MUS1104 Vocal Skills and MUSxxxx Choir (1 semester) (see note below) **Note:** - MUS1103 (Sight Singing Fundamentals) is a course centered around learning the basics of reading music and is intended for students with little to no music literacy. - MUS1104 (Vocal Skills) is a course designed for those needing to develop the basics of singing technique and is intended for students with little to no singing experience. **Please note** that this course is not offered in 2025-26. ### Phy Ed Activity Courses **Can I take any PED11xx courses to fulfill my Phy Ed activity course requirements?** **Yes. However,** if you have participated on a high school varsity soccer team, do not take PED1131 as an activity course. PED1131 is to be taken by students with beginning or intermediate skill levels only. Note: 1. To fulfill your PE activity course requirements, your PED11xx courses need to be different activities. You may not repeat the same activity for additional credits. 2. PED1205 First Aid is **not** a Phy Ed activity course. All Phy Ed activity courses are numbered PED11xx. ### Spanish Spanish is a specialized course of study at MLC. Whether as a major, a minor, a language emphasis, or free elective, you need to have taken the placement test offered by MLC. You may not register for Spanish courses on your own. After you have completed the placement test, MLC will add the proper course to your schedule planner. Depending on where you were placed, your first Spanish course may not begin until your second semester. **Please do not schedule Spanish courses on your own.** If you have not taken the placement test and are considering taking a Spanish course, please contact Prof. Degner (). You may want to leave room for 3 credits in your schedule for a Spanish course. ## **Specific Program Helps** ### Physical Education Majors The Physical Education Teacher Education major courses or prerequisites should begin in the first year. It is difficult to become a double major that includes PE if you don’t start it as a first-year student. - All PE Teacher Ed majors should schedule SCI1003 Biology and SCI1004 Biology Lab in the first year. - All PE Teacher Ed majors should schedule PED3004 Care and Prevention (Sem I) and PED2010 Foundations of Physical Education (Sem II) in the first academic year. ### Social Studies Majors and Social Studies/Elementary Education Double Majors During your first year, it is best to take ENG1303 first semester, if possible. HIS2001 has already been added to your second-semester schedule. You should take SSC3210 in your first semester. Following these suggestions will allow you to take other classes in your program during your sophomore year. ## Helpful Links

[Program Plans](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/Scheduling/programplanpdfs.php?year=202627 "https://mlc-wels.edu/academics/program-plans/")

[MLC Undergraduate Catalog](https://mlc-wels.edu/undergraduate-catalog/ "https://mlc-wels.edu/undergraduate-catalog/")

[General Education Courses](https://mlc-wels.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/07/General-Education-Courses-2022-23.pdf "General Education Courses")

[MLC Portal](http://portal.mlc-wels.edu/ "http://portal.mlc-wels.edu")

# New Student Registration Guide & FAQ Page — Pre-Seminary Program Welcome to Martin Luther College! The information found on these pages will help you get registered for the proper courses as you begin your preparation for enrollment at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary! *You* are ultimately responsible for understanding your degree requirements and meeting them. The dean and your advisors stand ready to help you. ## Video Tutorial The **[MLC Registration Guide Video](https://youtu.be/kh9E4y462KQ)** walks you through the process of registering for your courses. **Before proceeding, watch it and follow its guidance step by step. ** No, really. Before proceeding, watch the MLC Registration Guide video tutorial. Nothing else will make sense unless you do! (Note: First, watch the whole thing. Then, go back and follow the instructions step by step.) ## Step-by-Step Instructions - First, **[click here](http://portal.mlc-wels.edu/)** to access the **MLC Portal**. Log in using your MLC username and password. Click on your name in the upper right-hand corner to get to your individual Portal Directory page. Here is where you will start putting together your schedule. - The **Program Plan PDF** linked on your Portal Directory page is dictated by your emphasis/minor choice. - - Read the general information in the yellow box at the top and note what applies to you. - This is a template; it shows all the specific courses or course menu requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree with your chosen emphasis/minor. You may have to adapt it to your specific situation. - The pages that follow the template provide a full list of all courses in the various menus that are part of your degree. - - *To see what options you have, refer to the list of courses in the* **Program Plan PDF**, *in particular the "*Literature Seminar Elective" *menu and the "*Pre-Seminary Vocal Music Course" *menu. Clicking on any course in this list will take you to the course description.* - In the Portal (Scheduling>Program Planner), create a **Program Planner** by clicking Create New and selecting your plan under Use Standard Plan. - - For most first-year students, the majority of the specific courses you need to take will automatically populate in the **Program Planner**. The only courses you will need to choose are the ones in the gray boxes. - Make any necessary adjustments to your first two semesters based on . . . - - course requirements you’ve already met (AP tests, dual-enrollment courses) - non-biblical language placement (applies *only* to German, Latin, Confessional, and Spanish emphasis/minor). The MLC Registrar’s Office has already enrolled you in your initial German, Latin, or Spanish course(s) based on the results of the language placement test. - For any gray box in your **Program Planner** (if applicable), select a specific course and drag it into that box. (The lists of courses you can choose from are on the **Program Plan PDF**. - If you are entering the Pre-Seminary Program with no non-biblical language experience, you must delay Greek until your sophomore year. (The Registrar’s Office will already have enrolled you in the elementary level of a non-biblical language.) - If you want to change your emphasis/minor, contact the pre-seminary dean via email at danelljc@mlc-wels.edu.

***Please note that the following have already been (or will be) scheduled for you:*** - Non-Biblical Language (if applicable): Automatically scheduled based on your language diagnostic placement exam. (Any placement adjustments will happen during the first two weeks of the semester via the Deans’ Office). - THE1401 Early Ministry Experience I: The Registrar’s Office will schedule this course. The director will meet with you early in the semester to explain it. - 000x Courses: Any pre-assigned English, math, or study skills courses.

Your plan is automatically saved. You can go back to it at any time through the **[MLC Portal](http://portal.mlc-wels.edu/)**. ## MLC Scheduling Help Desk If you have any questions during the scheduling process (that aren’t answered in the FAQ section below) or about anything on this page, call the MLC Scheduling Help Desk. The people at the help desk are there to help you with your scheduling needs. **MLC Scheduling Help Desk Availability** **June 22 - July 10, 2026** - By phone: 507.233.9102 - - 8 am to 4 pm CDT Monday - Thursday - 8 am to 12 pm CDT Friday - By email to **[records@mlc-wels.edu](https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=records@mlc-wels.edu)** **July 13 - July 17, 2026** - By phone: 507.233.9102 - - 8 am to 8 pm CDT Monday - Wednesday - 8 am to 6 pm CDT Thursday - 8 am to 12 pm CDT Friday - By email to [**records@mlc-wels.edu**](https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=records@mlc-wels.edu) **After July 17, 2026** - By phone: 507.233.9102 - - 8 am to 4 pm CDT Monday - Thursday - 8 am to 12 pm CDT Friday - By email to **[regoffice@mlc-wels.edu](https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=registrar@mlc-wels.edu)** ## Important Dates - Week of **June 22, 2026** - Receive your scheduling instructions in the mail. - **June 22 - July 10, 2026** - Plan your schedule in the MLC Portal-Schedule Planner. (See Help Desk contact information and availability above.) - **July 13 - July 16, 2026** - Online course registration is open. Please note the day and time for scheduling. (See Help Desk contact information and availability above.) - **July 21, 2026** - Final Day for self-registration. ## FAQs #### **AP:** Do AP courses I took count for college credit? Yes, provided you received the necessary score on the AP Test. When MLC receives official notification from the College Board of tests taken and scores received (this is usually in early July), the Registrar’s Office will update your transcript, and you will see this near the top of your Program Planner. You can then remove the requirement from your Plan. (Please be sure you have requested that your AP scores be sent to MLC. Our AP code is 6435.) #### **Auditing:** May I audit courses? Yes, beyond 18 credit hours, students may audit courses up to 21 total credit/audit hours. Students often audit choir, Wind Symphony, etc., after they have reached 18 credits. (Audits do not earn credit. Refer to the *2026-27 Undergraduate Catalog*, p. 30, for audit policies.) #### **Course Descriptions:** Where do I find course descriptions? See the **[Course Description](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/Scheduling/coursedescriptions.php)** page on the MLC Portal. (This page can also show you when the course is being offered.) #### **Credit Limits:** How many credits may I schedule? Students may not take more than 18 credits per semester. #### **Dual-Credit Courses:** Do college courses I took in high school transfer to MLC? In most cases, yes—though not until MLC receives an official transcript and evaluates it. Once that happens, the MLC Registrar’s Office will enter that credit into your transcript and notify you. You will see this near the top of your Program Planner. If you took courses at another college, please be sure to request that an official transcript from that college be sent to MLC. #### **Financial Aid & Credit Benchmarks** - **The Standard Load:** A typical first-year semester is 15 to 18 credits. - **Financial Aid Baselines:** You must take at least 12 credits *in your program* for full federal financial aid, and 15 credits if you receive a Minnesota State Grant. CRITICAL: Financial aid will *only* pay for courses that are explicitly required for your degree. (If you have at least 12 credits *in your program*, you may add “extra” credits that are not part of your program, up to a total of 18 credits (21 if 3 are an audit). You cannot take random "extra" courses to boost your credit count for financial aid. - **If you DID NOT bring in AP or Transfer Credits:** Look at your Semester 1 and Semester 2 columns. If your Program Planner totals fewer than 15 credits, you should look at the General Education menus and "move a course up" to comfortably hit your credit goals. - **If you DID bring in AP or Transfer Credits: Do not pull future courses forward.** If you bring in credits (e.g., 9–15 credits from high school), you will have lighter semesters in your first year (12–14 credits). Leave them light! Spreading your remaining required courses across all 8 semesters ensures you maintain financial aid eligibility your senior year without running out of degree-required classes. *MN State Grant Note:* If you have a MN State Grant and brought in more than 11 credits, contact the Financial Aid Office and pre-seminary dean immediately to strategically map out your 4-year plan. #### **General Education Requirements:** What do I need to know about General Education courses? Many General Education requirements are met by choosing one or more courses from a menu. - **English** - - Many (but not all) students can flip-flop the semesters in which they take ENG1303 and ENG130x (Literature Seminar) if needed. Don’t schedule them both for the same semester. - ENG3310 must wait until at least junior year. - **History-Social Science** - - Pre-seminary students are required to take HIS2113 Modern West and HIS3011 US History II. - Try to schedule HIS2112 Rise of the West before scheduling HIS2113 Modern West. - HIS3011 US History II must wait until at least junior year. - **Intercultural** - - It’s best to wait and schedule this in consultation with your Advisor. - **Mathematics** - - MTH1012 Organizational Personal Finance is available either semester. - MTH2010 Calculus I is available first semester only (prerequisite is high school precalculus or equivalent). - MTH2020 Elementary Statistics is available second semester only. - MTH2022 Discrete Math is available first semester only. - **Physical Education.** - - You are required to take two activity courses. These courses all begin with PED11xx. Each of these courses lasts one quarter. - If you have participated on a high school varsity soccer team, do not take PED1131 Soccer. This course is intended for students with beginning or intermediate skill levels only. - **Science** - - SCI1003 Biology / SCI1004 Biology Lab and SCI1102 Physical Science are available either semester. - SCI2021 General Chemistry I is available first semester only. - The two physics courses offered this year (SCI3102 & SCI4102) have prerequisite or class standing requirements. - **Theology** - - All three of these courses are required at some point, and are generally taken during the first three semesters. However, you may not start with THE2001 Biblical History & Literature III. #### **ENG0001 & ENG1303:** Why are these courses already in my schedule planner? If your English ACT score was 17 or below, you may be required to take ENG0001 Essential Skills for College Composition and ENG1303 Rhetoric and Composition concurrently during your first semester of studies. ENG0001 does not fulfill any of the English requirements for graduation. If this applies to you, then you will have to take your English Literature Seminar course in Semester 2. #### **Moving Courses:** Can I move courses around? - **What You Can Move:** - Courses that appear in** red** in your Program Plan template, provided they are 1000- or 2000-level courses. - General Education Fine Arts, Math, and Science menus are excellent options to pull into your first year if necessary, but *only* for students without transfer credits who fall below the 15-credit baseline. (See “Financial Aid & Credit Benchmarks” above.) - **What You Shouldn’t Move:** - Generally speaking, do not schedule 3000-level or 4000-level courses for your first year. - Do not move Biblical Languages out of their designated years, unless you are required to delay the start of Greek. - Do not schedule ENG1303 Rhetoric and Composition and your ENG130x Literature Seminar in the same semester. - Do not schedule more than one Biblical History & Literature course (THE1001, THE1002, THE2001) in the same semester, and don’t schedule THE2001 in the first semester. - Try to take HIS2112 Rise of the West first, then HIS2113 Modern West. - ENG3310 Interpersonal Communication and HIS3011 US History II are reserved for the junior year and cannot be taken early. - If you are moving a Gen Ed Science course forward, remember that some science courses have prerequisites or class standing preferences. #### **MTH0003:** Why is this course already in my schedule? If your Math ACT score was 17 or below, you may be required to take MTH0003 Developmental Mathematics during the first year. MTH0003 does not fulfill any of the math requirements for graduation. It is normally taken concurrently with MTH1012 Organizational & Personal Finance. #### **Music Courses:** How do I schedule Music courses like Wind Symphony, piano, organ, or a choir? - **Music Experience Inventory:** Complete this form online (it’s part of the New Student Checklist) as soon as possible, even if you have no music experience. Wind Symphony will be scheduled automatically for those who indicate that on this form. - **Always Register for Section 01:** For all choirs, piano, organ, or instrumental lessons, always select Section 01. This is a temporary placeholder. - - Please note that MUS2048 Chorale and MUS3036 College Choir meet during the 8th hour (which might impact athletes). MUS3036 College Choir is mostly upperclassmen, with very few spots for first-year students. It meets five times per week and goes on tour. - **Auditions & Adjustments:** Your actual ensemble placement or lesson teacher will be determined during orientation auditions. The music department will automatically adjust your schedule to the correct section after auditions. - **Auditing Ensembles:** If you are already at 18 credits and want to join a choir or Wind Symphony for enjoyment without earning credit, you may audit it. You must still fulfill your 1-credit vocal music graduation requirement for credit at some point. - **Choir Alternatives:** - - If you have zero singing experience, choose MUS1103 Sight Singing Fundamentals. - MUS203x Applied Voice is an option for accomplished singers wanting individual training. ## Helpful Links

[MLC Undergraduate Catalog](https://mlc-wels.edu/undergraduate-catalog/ "https://mlc-wels.edu/undergraduate-catalog/")

[General Education Courses](https://mlc-wels.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/07/General-Education-Courses-2022-23.pdf "General Education Courses")

[MLC Portal](http://portal.mlc-wels.edu/ "http://portal.mlc-wels.edu")

# Returning Student Scheduling See the links below for scheduling information specific to your program. You can also watch this [helpful video](https://youtu.be/rYW-xF1y4xo) on setting up a schedule for a visual guide. ## Dates to Know

**March 25, 2026** |

- Flex period: Group meeting with advisor to discuss scheduling - Advisors begin meeting with students - NOTE: Flex period reserved for group meetings - Schedule Planner opens to students -

**March 25 - April 10, 2026** |

Students report any problems first to their advisor, and then to the Academic Deans. Any scheduling changes and updates will be posted on Portal.

Students meet with advisors for approval of schedules.

**April 15 - 17, 2026** | Registration for classes via Portal. See below for specific dates and more information.

## Planning Your Schedule

Log onto [Portal](https://portal.mlc-wels.edu/ "https://portal.mlc-wels.edu") using your [MLC Account username and password](https://help.mlc-wels.edu/books/mlc-accounts "MLC Accounts").

Select Scheduling > Schedule Planner to begin the process.

**Preference** to make personal choices.

**Modify Courses** to select courses and the semester you desire.

**Plan Schedule** to develop a proposed schedule, being careful to note different semesters. You must develop a plan for both ***first*** and ***second*** semester if you are attending the full year.

**Make It Fit** to design your schedule. If a course does not fit, the course will appear in a white box on the left side of the screen. Clicking on the course in white will make potential meeting times appear in red boxes on the schedule grid. If you are unable to make your selected courses fit your schedule, you must go back to **Modify Courses** to make changes.

A **Help** tab is included. If you have conflicts that you are not able to resolve, please contact the Records Office.

Your plan is automatically saved. You can go back to it any time through the MLC Portal. Your advisor is able to review your plan at any time. **SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR ADVISOR TO APPROVE YOUR SCHEDULE!** Your advisor *must* click the **Approve** button **between March 25 - April 10, 2026,** before you can register for classes. *Note: Student accounts, excluding veterans, cannot be more than $1000 past due when completing course registration or returning to campus for the following semester unless an exception has been granted by the college administration. Past due balances include fines such as library and parking. Please direct any questions to the Director of Finance.* *Note: Financial literacy requirements must be finished in order to complete course registration. Please direct any questions to the Financial Wellness Coordinator.* ## Registration Day Procedure After your advisor approves your schedule, you will be eligible to register for classes at your appointed time (individual registration times will be posted under the **Registration** tab on the Portal).

Click on **Register** on your **Schedule Planner**.

Click on **Finalize Registration**. This finalizes the registration process.

*Note: Any changes made to a final registration must be done through the Drop/Add procedure.* ### Scheduling Dates **Wednesday, April 15 – Friday, April 17, 2026**

- Registration opens at 6:45 am each day with staggered starting times. - Days/times are assigned based on projected academic semesters remaining. - Check for your appointed date/time listed on Portal at Scheduling > Schedule Planner.

## Deans Office Documentation ### Education & Staff Ministry - [2026-27 Registration Process & Tips](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hEE2mLmWD-0org6g90gITzrdlwrTZ7i0O20Wcn3Sp4M/edit?usp=drive_link) ### Pre-Seminary - [2026-27 Registration Guidance](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lRIN3RD-RHOvCasrtfvy3iDDmh8BbFpm/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104621442404819041285&rtpof=true&sd=true)