I’m in my first year as a PhD student. As an undergrad and masters student I had pre-planned my entire schedule. I could look at my schedule and know exactly what class I would be taking in any given semester in the future all the way until graduation. As a PhD student I am noticing that I could plan all of my coursework in advance but noticed that many classes were unavailable. When I ask my advisor he informs me that you will have no problems. I always get the same reply. No problems. But I am having problems. I can’t register because of certain special permissions and I don’t see certain class offerings that I need for my specialization. And yet, I receive answers from my advisor such as “you won’t have any problems” or “thanks for reminding me” or “those classes are available”. I mean, this is very conflicting for me.

Should I relax? Should I be more assertive? If I am more assertive in demanding responses I feel this may hurt my progress within my program. I mean, these professors are the one’s who decide my grades and when I graduate. Any advice would be much appreciated.