How to Adjust Variable Credit Hours
Certain courses allow you to adjust the number of credit hours you take the class for. This is common with internship, research, and independent studies, for example.
There are two different systems for adjusting variable credit hours in CyberBear, depending on the time of the semester in autumn and spring.
These timelines differ during the summer as well as during shortened parts of term within the autumn and spring semesters. See the registration deadlines page to determine the exact dates for when to use each.
Through the 15th class day:
Registration and Edit Your Class Schedule: During autumn and spring semesters, Registration and Edit Your Class Schedule is open through the 15th class day of the semester.
After the 15th class day — final deadline:
Course Add, Change, Drop: After the 15th class day, all requests to adjust variable credit hours must be submitted for approval through Course Add/Change/Drop instead.
Registration and Edit Your Class Schedule
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Step One - Navigate to CyberBear Registration
Log in to CyberBear using your NetID and password. Then, select Student Services from the maroon ribbon at the top of the screen.
On the Student Services menu, select the second bullet point in the list, Registration.
On the Registration menu, select the Register for Classes option.
Step Two - Add Class
First, register for the class by following the instructions for adding classes.
When you first register for a course with variable credit hours, it will default to the minimum number of credits. (e.g. if a course is offered for one to six credits, it will default to one credit.)
Step Three - Schedule and Options
Navigate to the fourth tab, Schedule and Options, to see your schedule.
If a course is offered with variable credit hours, the number of credits will be underlined, similar to a hyperlink.
Step Four - Enter Grade Mode or Credits
Click on the underlined credit amount, then enter the desired number of credits.
Step Five - Submit
Click the Submit button to enter your changes. If you do not click Submit, your changes will not be entered.
Course Add, Change, Drop
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Step One - Navigate to Course Add, Change, Drop
Log in to CyberBear using your NetID and password.
Select Student Services from the maroon ribbon at the top of the screen.
Choose Course Add, Change, Drop from the menu.
Step Two - Before You Begin
Read the posted disclaimers page. Then, click Proceed.
Step Three - Select Course
Click the CRN in the left-most column to select the course you want to change.
Step Four - Change Credits/Grade Options
Click the Change Credits/Grade Options button below the course information.
Step Five - Enter Changes
Click the dropdown menu below Credits or Grade Option. Choose your change.
No choices will appear in the dropdown menu if the credits or grade option cannot be adjusted.
Step Six - Reason and Acknowledgements
Type in the reason you are submitting a late change request. A clear, brief reason can assist your instructor and advisor when they review your request.
Read and click the acknowledgement checkboxes below.
Then, click Finish Changing Course.
Step Seven - Confirmation
Make sure you see a confirmation message at the top of the screen after submitting.
You will also receive a confirmation email sent to your UM student email. Contact registration@umontana.edu if you do not receive this email.
Step Eight - Approvals
Requests are sent to one approver at a time in the following order:
- Instructor
- Academic advisor (not required during summer session or for graduate students)
- Special cohort, if applicable (e.g. NCAA athletes, international students with student visas, individuals receiving veteran education benefits)
If all parties approve, your request will be reviewed by the Registrar's Office. Please allow 3 to 5 business days for processing.
You will receive an email once your request has been processed.