Math 219,

As I'm sure you all know, enrollment in Math 219 (traditional sections, 1-5) is currently at historically high levels, given the very high student demand and our hope to be able to accommodate as many students as we can. 

Related to this situation, I'll note that currently 4 of those 5 are at or near the room capacity.  Importantly, this room capacity is determined by the fire marshal (not Duke!) and carries serious legal weight, and given those legal considerations the class enrollments can NOT be raised above those numbers. 

As a result of this situation, I'll note that (1) most students will reasonably not be switching to different sections out of concern for not being able to get in from a wait list, and (2) enrollment caps cannot be raised much if at all.  The result of these two observations suggests to me that, most likely, there will probably be very little if any movement from the wait lists. 

For those of you who are on a wait list for Math 219, I have the following related comments:

• As of this writing, there is currently an open seat in section 4.  It is almost certain that it will be taken sometime soon.  I know that 8:30am is not what you might be hoping for, but the more relevant point might be that having it at 8:30am might be better than not getting in to the course at all. 
  
• In addition to your place on the wait list, think carefully about how much potential there is for movement.  For example, as it stands, being #1 on the list for section 5 is probably better than being #1 on the list for section 3, because with the former there is the hope that the enrollment cap might rise but with the latter there is no such hope.  In fact a strong case could be made that being #2 for section 5 might be a better position than being #1 for section 3.  Of course there are too many unknowns to know how this will actually play out.
• Consider taking Math 212 instead of Math 219.  These courses are extremely similar in content, and should satisfy major requirements and course prerequisites identically even if they are not written that way (if you would like to confirm, talk to the Director of Undergraduate Studies for your major).  All else being equal, with a linear algebra background such as you all have, yes there are some mathematical advantages to 219, but these are relatively minor and I think less valuable than being able to get multivariable calculus done this semester instead of waiting for the Fall.  As of this writing Math 212 has two seats available in each of the two sections. 
  

For those of you who are already enrolled in Math 219: 

• As of this writing, there is currently an open seat in section 4.  It is almost certain that it will be taken sometime soon.  I know that 8:30am is not what you might be hoping for, but the more relevant point might be that having it at 8:30am might be better than not getting in to the course at all. 
  
• Enrollment in Math 212 will very likely not rise above the low 30's, while some sections of Math 219 are already well into the 40's.  Given the comments in the third bullet above about the similarity of these courses, and the possible advantages of being in smaller sections, even already having a seat in Math 219 you might still prefer to switch to Math 212.  As of this writing Math 212 has two seats available in each of the two sections.  If you are interested in the above idea of switching into a smaller section, consider getting one of those spots before they are gone!  :)

Good luck to all with your schedules!

Best,