Can’t Register a Class? Try the Course Tracker Application

• Reporters: Jana Al Awady & Youssef Elabeidy
• Editor: Sara Fahmy

In September 2023, Data Science alumnus Yahia Abdelmohsen had had enough of the daunting task of registering for courses with limited availability. So, he decided to create an app that would help students register the courses they wanted.

The app checks twice every hour if someone has dropped a course and a spot has become available, and notifies users.

Abdelmohsen meticulously documented his progress throughout the development process, sharing his journey on the popular Facebook group, Rate AUC Professors.

Just four months later, Abdelmohsen handed the app’s code over to the Student Union (SU) tech team, in the hopes that it can continue to benefit students in the future.

“Although the Course Tracker was temporarily [unavailable], it has since been reinstated following a transition between tech teams,” Vice President of the SU Farida Sarhank told The Caravan.

Course Tracker can be found on the SU app.

“The reaction of the students who used it was very positive, as they mentioned that it was extremely helpful for them and they enjoyed it,” she said.

In the meantime, students who are aware of the app have said that it often saves them from tight spots.

“It was incredibly helpful for planning my courses each semester. Without proper notification, I feel lost,” said Engy Abo El Seoud, a graduating senior majoring in English and Comparative Literature (ECLT).

Despite being fully operational throughout the Fall 2024 drop-and- add week, some students said they were unaware of the Course Tracker app, which could be due to a lack of marketing from the SU.

Initially, when the app was launched, the SU made a single announcement via social media. However, following that initial post, there was minimal promotion or follow-up communication about the app’s functionality.

“The SU is hopeful to enhance its marketing strategies soon to raise awareness among the student body,” said Sarhank.

In addition to depending on the course tracker, students are advised to prepare well ahead of the registration period.

Chair of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department (JRMC) Rasha Allam, says students should take advantage of meeting with their advisors during the assigned periods every semester. Advising usually begins in late October or early November in the fall, and in April during the spring semester.

“Doing so at the appropriate time can help avoid holds and ensure you can enroll in your desired courses without issues,” said Allam of the importance of advising.

Some students, however, see Course Tracker as their ace in the hole and want better information about its availability and functionality.

“I used it to keep track of my major requirements. Now I have to rely on Degree Works and Banner, which are complicated to navigate through,” said Seif El Nahas, a Management of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) senior.

In the meantime, the SU Tech team has launched other initiatives such as SU Notes, aimed at further supporting students in their academic pursuits by providing them with resources for effective studying.