[Chad]

MacInsiders Newsletter - June 9th 2008

Here are a few important updates for you all with regards to course selection tips and general updates on MacInsiders :-)

BIG NEWS: Master Course Timetable Is Available!

You can now peruse what courses are available for the upcoming academic year, as well as see dates and times for offered courses.

Have questions about the whole process? Wondering how to use SOLAR? Want advice on how to pick your courses?

Read the following articles:

Danielle: Course Selection: Explanations, Tips and Advice

Chad: PICKING YOUR COURSES AND REGISTERING ON SOLAR (*updated for 2008/09*)

If you're unsure of when SOLAR opens for you be sure to check out the dates here.

ARTICLE CATEGORIZATION

This has been LONG ANTICIPATED and we're finally going to find time to do it. We now have grown our advice article archives to over 1,084posts. Thats a MASSIVE amount of knowledge, advice, tips, and information that need to be sorted! Categorization of articles is important, as it will help YOU access content that more relevant, quicker and easier. Expect a new section that has organized articles so you can quickly find tips on what you're looking for.
Also be sure to check out our 'Similar Threads' feature we launched about a month ago when you're viewing forum threads that suggests related threads that may also be of assistance to you.

OFF-TOPIC FORUMS COMING SOON!

MacInsiders is growing at a rapid rate, and we're about to open up and expand our forum categories to allow for discussion of many new exciting topics that are outside of the realm of McMaster. Look for new off-topic discussion forums coming soon which will include topics on Politics, Dating/Relationships, Sports, Technology, Gaming, and more.

REVIEWS SYSTEM LAUNCHING SOON

Another new feature being released that we are very excited about is a REVIEWS section which will allow members to review local hotspots as well as movies and much more. Stay tooned!

NEW DESIGN BEING ROLLED OUT

If you've been active in our discussion forums you'll know that a new design for MacInsiders is in the works (http://www.macinsiders.com/showthread.php?t=18153). We've been getting your feedback and opinions and will be rolling out new changes over the next 3-4 weeks before Welcome Day arrives.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER AND IN SEPTEMBER

MacInsiders has put together a great new team of volunteers that will be posting artices, tips, and advice for you over the summer. Expect to see some great material coming from these new members and we hope to see you all down at CLUBSFEST which takes place during WELCOME WEEK 2008! There will be plenty of coverage about Welcome Week as we get close to September :-)
Some areas that will be launching in September include a section dedicated to MSU (McMaster Students Union) UPDATES from your SRA (Student Representative Assembly). They will be updating you regularly via MacInsiders with what is going on in your Students Union that impact you! Also in the works is a long anticipated "LIBRARY LOUNGE" (details to be revealed soon).

WHATS BUZZING ON MACINSIDERS?

LATEST ARTICLES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
- It Doesn't Hurt to Try But it Hurts to be Rejected
- One Mac Positions
- IRIS: A Drama Production by Students for Students
- Easy Summer Orientation Program
- Course Selection: Explanations, Tips and Advice
- MSU Golf Tournament
- Quarters Acoustic Nights
- Project Hope
- SOLAR Course Registration: Things To Consider
- Apple Promotion - Free iPod Touch
- HYPE Summer Transition Program
- Getting Out of a Slump
- Earth Chicken Sandwich
- Discount Greyhound Trips
- Express Yourself

POPULAR FORUM DISCUSSIONS:
- Your Residence Picks?
- Class Selection Tips
- MacInsiders TV
- Academic Counselling Info
- Faculty Of Science (includes Chem, Kin, Bio,...
- I Need Music!
- Registration - need photo ID?
- Hedden Hall
- Bates Hall
- Concerns about res?

THANKS!

Thank you for being a reader and member of MacInsiders, a recognized and funded student club of your McMaster Students Union. We will keep you update with the latest and greatest as the year progresses.

Sincerely,
Your MacInsiders Staff & Team

[temara.brown]

YAY for SRA updates!! =P

[stevennevets]

the silly master course timetable isn't working! it just keeps saying "Service Temporarily Unavailable"... oh well, I guess i'll go back when it isn't as busy.

[Chad]

Ya, its overloaded at the moment. Check back later tonight.

[FlyWithMac]

omg this is frustrating...

[lorend]

I'm in the same frustration mode.

[MacEng]

Me too :|

Let's say you know the exact profs/time/day/class you want.

What are the odds that you will get this?

[lorend]

Depends on as I've said before:

- what upper years pick the classes first
- when you pick your classes (12:01 am vs later)
- how large the course is in general
- how many sections are available

[pattyking18]

is the online timetable loading for anyone right now?

[woodlawngirl]

nope :(

[Chad]

It's unavailable again.

[lorend]

You're in a peak time.

Keep trying and hopefully you can sneak on...really early in the morning is generally best.

[Chad]

Yes, late at night (past 11pm) and early (6am) in the morning are usually the best chance