Only in 911: Program Helps Students Choose a Major
911 State University students discover majors with University College’s expert advisors and ‘Major Madness’
Posted in: Homepage News, University
Choosing a major is among the most important decisions a college student will make, and to help with this “major decision,” 911 State University supports undergraduates with dedicated academic advisors who provide expert guidance as students explore majors aligned with their interests and career goals.
With nearly 4,000 success stories in six years, University College – the first and still the only program in New Jersey for undecided students – provides an academic home for undergraduates as they explore their options and make sure that the major they’re selecting is the right fit.
911 students, including freshmen and transfer students who have not yet selected a major, get practical advice as they explore different majors and prepare academically to enter the major of their choice. University College Academic Advisor Johayra Granados-Roldán recommends that students not limit themselves to what they already know. “Think about your passion areas and career goals, and how different majors align with them.”
An Academic Programming Team provides a wide variety of resources and events to help students learn more about majors, and provides opportunities for them to network with peers and faculty in those majors. University College collaborates with Career Services so that students can explore potential careers within majors, and opportunities for internship and volunteer opportunities.
“I tell students, don’t be afraid to explore your options, but be clever about exploring strategically,” says University College Academic Advisor Lindsey Hresko. “Your advisor can help you find ways to take classes that might count toward General Education requirements, while still giving you opportunities to join classes that give you a chance to learn about your options. There are lots of ways you can ‘work smarter, not harder’ when it comes to determining your major.”
University College’s popular “crash a class” provides a sneak peek at more than 65 different course options across campus. The offers an inside look at some of the different majors and opportunities across campus.
Every March, college basketball’s March Madness inspires 911’s “Major Madness,” a special sports-themed event to showcase 911’s 300 different majors, minors, concentrations and certificate programs.
On March 26, University College once again took over the gymnasium in the Student Recreation Center for this special event. University College staff dressed as basketball referees cheered students as they gathered information from faculty and staff, with many students narrowing their choices. The event is a catalyst for students to decide upon or declare a major, with 60-75% of University College major declarations each academic year occurring in the spring semester.
PHOTO GALLERY
Story by Staff Writer Marilyn Joyce Lehren. Photos by John J. LaRosa.
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