Frequently Asked Questions
Econ. 103, Spring 2003, Prof. Nancy Folbre

  Why can’t I get into the economics course and/or discussion section I would most prefer?

It's called scarcity. There are only so many seats in a room. There is "excess demand" (demand that can’t be satisfied) for some courses and sections. Even if there is room in a course, there may not be room in the discussion section you prefer. Note: if there is no room in any discussion sections, you can’t get into a lecture.

How do go about trying to add Econ 103 (or any other economics course).

Use the University’s telephone registration system. This can be frustrating, but diligence is rewarded. You can request an "override" of the capacity of a course ONLY IN WRITING to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Bausor, in room 1012 Thompson. Forms by which to communicate such requests are available from the "Undergraduate Program" section of the department’s homepage, at www.umass.edu/economics/course_request_form.pdf  .
A student should download the form, print a hard copy, complete and sign it, and return it to 1004 or 1034 Thompson. We will be adding no one to any courses before Wednesday 11 September 2002 (after most classes have met twice, at which point you can disenroll a student for nonattendance). Requests for an override communicated orally or by e-mail will no longer be either entertained or granted. We apologize for this, but given budget cuts and reduced staff it is our only option.

What do I do if I get sick or for some other reason cannot make it to an exam?

Email me at folbre@econs.umass.edu  or call me at 545-3283 and leave a message explaining your situation. Normally, if you contact l me in advance and have a good reason, it is not difficult to get permission to take a make-up exam. Make-ups are usually scheduled about two weeks after the original exam date, and the time and place will be announced in class.

Why is there a website for this course?

The main purpose is to increase efficiency of access to information so that we have more time for the real thing. Also, learning how to use the web is an important skill in and of itself. If you come across some links that might be interesting to add, let us know.

Is there a real person teaching this course, or is she simply a synthetic device for assembly line teaching?

In order to obtain face time with your fully interactive hypertext-capable top-of- the-line carbon-based teaching unit, come to office hours in Thompson 806 on Mondays or Wednesdays at 1:20, or come to class a few minutes early. You also have the option of making an appointment.

  Why doesn’t this FAQ page provide an answer to the question I am looking for?

Unfortunately, this system does not yet have mind-reading capabilities. Please send queries and suggestions regarding FAQs to Professor Folbre at folbre@econs.umass.edu (write "Econ. 103 Query" in the subject line).