Academic Advising: Advising Undeclared Students

Undeclared students need to know that there is nothing wrong with being uncertain about their major and that choosing a major does not prevent them from exploring other areas of interest or changing their mind in the future. Advice during scheduling should consist of helping the student to understand and fulfill core requirements, while at the same time exploring the student’s range of interests and academic strengths. These can assist advisors in finding a major program that suits the student.  Students may not know the range of options available or even the nature of many academic fields. Advising is easier and most students are more comfortable once they have a major. Students with a declared major are less likely to leave school prematurely.

When uncertain about programs, advisors can actively assist students in connecting with appropriate faculty members in other fields for informational interviews. Students are much more likely to attend such a meeting if their advisor provides them with a specific name and contact information. Following up with an email, copied to the colleague will ensure that the student correctly recalls the name and email address of the colleague.

The Shepard Freshman Resource Center has excellent suggestions for assisting undeclared students, and the Office of Career Services also provides guidance to students and has helpful information on its site.