JCSU Major Exploration Map: "Choosing a Major is Like a Box of Whitman's Chocolates!"

Choosing a Major is like a Box of

Whitman's Chocolates!

• Introduction
• A.C.E. Structure
• Assessments
• JCSU Navigator
• Major Exploration Week
• Freshman Orientation Courses
• Office of Career Services and Professional Development
• Case Studies/Questions
• Conclusion

• Selected at admission to the university to receive enhanced academic support (GPA or SAT/ACT scores)
• Individualized intrusive and appreciative advising
• Restricted course load
• Delayed major declaration
• Engaged in community service as well as co-curricular events and activities

• Experimental program to determine students academic success using non-cognitive skills
• Students were initially denied admission, but admitted to Sit Lux based on review of resume, recommendations, and interviews
• Students are required to attend at least 8 hours of tutoring per week
• Students are monitored closely by their Advisor, the Assistant Dean and the Coordinator of the program

The purpose of the newsletter is to:

• provide students with general information to help them succeed at JCSU
• share resources including personal assessment info, tutors/lab hours, and academic catalog tips
• invite students to events including major exploration activities and campus career fairs

Major Exploration Week

Academic Center for Excellence

(A.C.E. Advising Center)

Cafeteria Informational Session

This activity is a “drive” that will be a brief introduction to the University majors and Major Exploration Week. The booth will provide students with a variety of information including: Liberal Arts courses, Majors, Department Chairpersons, Career Services and Professional Development Information, and the Major Exploration Week Schedule of Events.

Mid-day Faculty/Staff

Colloquium

Speed Dating:

Majors-In-A-Minute

The Major Colloquium panel discussion provides faculty and staff members an opportunity to share their majors, career paths, and educational experiences with attendees.

Upperclassmen students will share information about their majors and their experiences as students of that major with the undecided students. This speed dating style format, encourages multiple conversations in a short span of time to determine the possibility of a match.

Undecided Majors

Majors Fair

Make A Major Decision Workshop

Biddle Freshman Program

• Meet the university requirements for admission (GPA and test scores)
• Includes Freshmen and transfer students
• Have not decided or declared a major
• Must decide on a major once they have earned 60 credit hours

The Majors Fair invites representatives from each major to display information and accomplishments of students in those majors. Representatives from each major will provide information about: course titles and professors, students’ past internship opportunities, historical figures that worked in that field, careers, graduate school interests.

Sit Lux Program

(Let There Be Light)

This traditional workshop provides students an opportunity to reflect upon their own skills, abilities, and preferences in an effort to encourage them to choose a major in which they will be satisfied and successful. *Students will also be given the opportunity to complete an assessment that will assist by providing personal insight to them.

Freshmen Orientation Courses

Assessments

Tools to Learn About Self (fee based):

• ORT 111/112 is part of Gen. Ed. curriculum
• Includes Major Exploration Activities as class assignments:
• Essay/interview assignments
• mandatory attendance at events
• brief research and presentations about careers
• Invited speakers discuss career changes based on experience

StrengthsQuest

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Strong Interest Inventory

Scenario #3:

Jonathan has declared Computer Science as his major. He has been in school for four semesters (2 years), but he has faced a variety of personal and academic challenges. His father passed away before his first semester. He is the oldest son and his father was the primary income earner. He was eager to start school, but he had to get a job at a supermarket to help the family--and delayed attending school until the Spring semester.

Jonathan has not done well in many of his classes, but he passed the Public Speaking course (General Education), and possesses a distinct radio voice. He has not completed the math classes necessary to take the introductory Computer Science class for the major. He is currently on academic probation and must bring his GPA up to a 2.0 in order to get in good academic standing and return next semester. How do you assist this student with major selection and improving his academic standing?

The Office of Career Services & Professional Development

JCSU Navigator

Conclusion

Relationship Building

• Refer advisees to CS
• Scavenger Hunt
• General referrals
• Highlight CS in newsletter

ORT 111/112 requirements

• GAPS Fair
• CIAA Fair
• Resume Clinic

Invite CS to participate in ACE events

• Major Fair
• ORT 111/112 guest speaker

• Areas for Improvement
• Discussion of Case Studies
• General Questions