Registration at Panola College this semester is looking a lot different than in past years. To prevent students from having to wait in long lines to register for classes, sometimes several hours, College officials have initiated a new registration process that larger schools adopted years ago.

“Beginning last November currently enrolled students were able to register for fall classes online. One benefit of this arrangement is that students currently attending Panola College will have a better chance of getting the classes they need and want. Students that are attending Panola College for the first time this spring will be required to meet with an advisor or counselor before registering. When the student is admitted to Panola College, he or she will receive a letter listing available times to visit with an advisor. Information will also be included instructing the student to use the online registration process. Of course there will always be students who want to see a person face to face and need assistance during the process. For those individuals we will have staff available in the Office of Student Services from now through the end of registration,” said Dr. Erik Zoellner, vice president of student services. “One other way to register is for the student to attend sessions that the Panola College faculty set up for students to register. They are basically a mini registration workshop.”

“Students who registered after January 2 have only 24 hours to pay their bill or they may opt to take advantage of a new program called FACTS. This program is designed to assist returning students with their payments. The payment plan charges a $25 fee, and the student may pay in two or four installments (depending on when they register). The students must have a checking account or a major credit card to be eligible for the FACTS program,” said Zoellner.

“Students with questions should call the Student Services office at 903-693-2034 or 2036,” said Zoellner. “There is still plenty of time to register. Classes do not begin until January 18. On that day, anyone who registers will have to pay a late fee. Students will also be able to get a student ID and parking sticker for their vehicle at the Student Services office located in the Martha Miller Administration Building.”

Zoellner also encourages students to check into the school's cafeteria food plans. "We have a fabulous cafeteria. A commuter may buy 11 meals for $50. They receive a punch card that is the same as cash." Monday, January 17, is Martin Luther King Day and is a College holiday, so students will begin on January 18. The Student Services office will be open this week on Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students may also e-mail questions to start@panola.edu.