UO History 101: Registration and Week of Welcome - Part 1
Editor’s note: This article is part of a two-part series using resources from UO Special Collections and University Archives to show the history and traditions of registration and Week of Welcome over the university’s history.
1925
Without the complications of modern technology, registration in 1925 might seem easier than registration today. However, the numerous exams during pre-registration week complicated the schedule for new students. In addition to an English exam, which determined a student’s course placement, new Ducks were required to have a detailed psychological and physical exam. Pre-registration week, or the week before class began, also consisted of day-long assemblies about adjusting to college life, choosing a major, and the rules of the university.
During pre-registration week, the new students would meet with advisors to go over their exam results, discuss the best courses to take, and receive a registration card. Then, all the university’s 3,000 students would go to McArthur Court to fill out registration paperwork and officially sign up for classes. At the end of pre-registration week, freshmen would attend a banquet to meet all the deans and student officials at the university.
Students registering for classes at McArthur Court. Photo Credit: Old Oregon 1945
1952
Immediately after World War II, the university’s student population skyrocketed, with the number of bachelors’ degree graduates increasing by more than 300% between 1944 and 1947. In addition, the popularization of the IBM computer in higher education helped streamline the registration process. As students received their notice of admission to the University of Oregon via mail during the summer, they would also receive a class catalog and a schedule for Welcome Week.
A group of freshman women gather in Carson Hall for a meeting about dorm life. Photo: Old Oregon 1952
Similar to pre-registration week in 1925, new students attended many assemblies to learn about life at the University of Oregon. Every new student was also required to complete a psychology exam, an English placement exam, a math placement exam, and a language placement exam. Then, students could meet with an advisor and a dormitory counselor (which was similar to the role of a resident assistant). New students could also meet with an older student from the Student Orientation committee to get advice about their classes.
Registration table for an English discussion in McArthur Court, 1967 Photo Credit: Oregon Digital
Prior to the implementation of the IBM computers in registration, students would have to register for classes at McArthur Court. However, the UO had a short-lived new technique for registration where the students would have to meet registration clerks and faculty in their offices across campus to drop off class cards and get registration stamps and signatures from faculty.
1971
Pre-college exams evolved nationwide as more students enrolled in higher education institutions. New students were required to submit their College Entrance Examination Board Scholastic Aptitude Test scores (which is now known as the SAT), along with foreign language test scores, and a physical exam. After submitting their test results, students were allowed to meet with an advisor and discuss classes, similar to the pre-registration process for 21st century first-year students. New students would then go to register for classes with all other University of Oregon students at McArthur Court during the week before the beginning of the school year.
-By Peyton Hall, UO Alumni Association Student Associate