Pre-Registration | Communication, Journalism, and Film

Pre-registration gives you early access to enroll in Communication, Journalism, and Film (CJF) courses before they open to the rest of campus. Eligible students can select up to two CJF courses during the designated pre-registration period. Before you begin, review the course offerings to see what is available for Spring 2026, then read the FAQ below to understand how the process works.

View Spring 2026 Courses View Fall 2025 Courses

What is Pre-Registration?

Pre-registration is a special enrollment period that allows eligible students to register for up to two CJF courses before they become available to the general campus population.

When is Pre-Registration?

For Spring 2026:

Seniors Only: Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM
(Must have 23.75 units earned/in progress)
All Class Years: Monday, October 20 – Friday, October 24, 2025
Opens: 9:00 AM Monday | Closes: 4:30 PM Friday

➡ Not sure how to find your total earned & in progress units? Find Total Earned and In Progress Units

Who is eligible?

Communication Studies pre-majors, majors, second majors, and minors
Journalism Professional Writing majors and minors
Public Health majors and minors (for select COM courses)

How does pre-registration work?

Step 1: Watch your email on the morning pre-registration opens for a link to the online form.

Step 2: Use the link to select up to two CJF courses through the online survey.

Step 3: After pre-registration closes (October 24 at 4:30 PM), the Program Assistant will manually enroll you in PAWS.

Step 4: Your courses will appear in your PAWS schedule by the first day of campus-wide registration.

➡ Important: There’s nothing else you need to do for these two CJF courses after submitting the form. The department handles enrollment for you.

What should I have ready when pre-registering?

Before accessing the pre-registration form, prepare the following:

Your PAWS ID number (have it ready to copy/paste)
3-4 course choices with complete information:
- Course number (e.g., COM 242)
- Course name (e.g., Interpersonal Communication)
- Section number
- Instructor name (optional)

Having backup choices ensures you can still get into classes if your first choice fills up.

When should I meet with my advisor?

Meet with your advisor before pre-registration begins to:

Review your degree requirements
Discuss your program of study
Plan your course schedule
Determine which courses satisfy your specialization requirements

💡 View Communication Studies specialization requirements

💡 View Journalism and Professional Writing requirements

Why do COM courses appear closed in PAWS?

During the pre-registration period, most seats in CJF courses are reserved exclusively for department students. This is why courses show as “closed” or require “Department permission” in PAWS.

Do not try to register through PAWS during pre-registration week. Use the department’s online form instead.

Once pre-registration ends and all department students are enrolled, any remaining seats will open to the general campus population through PAWS.

I have holds on my account. Can I still pre-register?

Yes, you can still submit your pre-registration selections if you have holds.

➡ Critical: You must resolve all holds by Friday, October 24 at 4:30 PM. If holds remain on your account after pre-registration closes, we cannot enroll you in your selected courses, and you will lose your seat.

Start resolving holds immediately to avoid losing your course selections.

What if a course fills up during pre-registration?

A waitlist is maintained only during the pre-registration period (October 19-24).

After pre-registration ends:

No waitlists are maintained
Monitor PAWS regularly in case a seat opens up
Contact the course instructor directly if you need to add a closed course

I pre-registered on day one. Why don’t I see my courses in PAWS?

Your courses will appear in PAWS by the first day of campus-wide registration, not immediately after you submit your pre-registration.

The Program Assistant manually enters all course enrollments after the pre-registration period closes on October 24. This process takes time, so please be patient.

How do I register for non-CJF courses (College Core, electives, etc.)?

You are responsible for registering yourself for all non-CJF courses through PAWS during your assigned registration appointment window.

➡ Resources:

Check PAWS to find your registration appointment date and time.

I’m studying abroad during pre-registration. What should I do?

You’ll still receive the online registration link via email and can participate remotely, just like all other CJF students.

I’m a Public Health major/minor. Can I pre-register?

Yes! Public Health majors and minors are eligible to pre-register for select COM courses.

Contact your Program Assistant for details about which courses are available to you.

What if I still have questions?

Please contact our Program Assistant Suzanne Brodbeck at brodbecs@tcnj.edu