DUS offers ‘Major Decisions’

By KATE DAILEY
Collegian Staff Writer

The Division of Undergraduate Studies is sponsoring an event today to help students decide what they want to be when they "grow up."

Major Decisions ‘99, formerly called Major Event, will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the lobby of Grange Building. Advisers from all 12 colleges will be available to answer questions and provide students with information about the opportunities each school offers.

"The idea behind both Major Event and Major Decision is one-stop shopping, in that the student can find all the representatives from all the colleges in one place," said Gail Kamon, DUS program director in the College of Engineering.

While the timing of the event coincides with the time of year many students must declare a major, organizers don't intend for Major Decisions to provide an immediate answer for those looking to chose a major.

"We don't ask anyone to make a commitment … we're just there to give the students information and answer any questions they might have," said Barbara Wade, DUS program director in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Luke Schray (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said he already decided a potential major based on classes he has taken. However, he says, he would consider attending the session anyway.

"Taking classes on my own is good … but I'd definitely benefit from talking to someone in the college of Earth and Mineral Sciences," he said.

For advisers, the event offers a chance to reach a large number of students they might not otherwise have the time or opportunity to see.

"I can have preliminary conversations with 20, sometimes 30, students all in the same day," said Joyce Buck, DUS program director in the college of Arts and Architecture.

Other advisers use Major Decision to as a way to introduce students to colleges they might not normally consider.

"There are some colleges … where students discover this college and get more information. ... It's an exploratory meeting," Wade said.

Even with today's program, many students will capitalize on what they have already experienced in the classroom.

"I think that the classes I took helped me decide what I want to do, (but) it would be helpful to have more information," Sarah Shaw (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said.

Last year, more than 200 students attended the program, Kamon said. Previously, the event occurred in the fall and took place in the HUB. This year's event will be held on a smaller scale than previous years. Aside from the change in location, fewer presenters will be on hand this year and no major displays.

One new feature of the event will be a demonstration of an advising program offered through Comprehensive Academic Advising and Information System (CAAIS) which can be accessed on the World Wide Web.

Despite its smaller size, Buck said she is convinced the program will be successful.

"We think it reaches enough students that it is a worthwhile activity," she said.