Students Encouraged to Fill out Declaration Cards

This last week, SLU students logged into their school email accounts to find emails from Academic Advising: major declaration week is here! Sophomores are suggested to declare their major, and events are being held across campus to help them in the process.

Professors from various departments are tabling in Dana from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. sponsored by the Sophomore Success Initiative. According to the Initiative, the professors will be there “to talk with students about their respective fields, questions people have about different majors, and the logistics and opportunities that come with studying in their disciplines.” Dr. Paul Graham, Chair of the English Department, encourages students to make the most of this opportunity. “We’re there because we want to talk to you.”

In addition, many departments are holding their own ‘major/minor declaration nights’ from February 18 to February 27. The times and location for most of these events can be found on an email from Academic Advising, and the rest can be found on posters spread throughout the campus. Graham noted that the English major/minor night will have free pizza.

Major declaration cards are due February 28 for Sophomores, and students should reach out to their advisors to make sure their cards are signed. Cards can be turned in at red drop boxes around campus: at the registrar’s office in Vilas 117, the first floor of the student center near the ATM and in Madill Hall in the Academic Advising Waiting Area. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” Graham advises. “Talk to a faculty member or the department chair about opportunities like fellowships, internships and senior projects. Once you’ve decided on a major, the more you can get out of it, of course, the better.”

Academic Advising is also holding open hours for sophomores in the Center for Student Achievement office in Madill 109 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday. Students can go there to get advice about which department they might be best suited for and how to fill out their major declaration card.

These events by faculty and academic advising have helped students with their major or minor, but attendance could still be better, such as at tabling in Dana. “I’ve heard that on some days these have been successful,” Graham described. “Other days, not so much. Students shouldn’t be shy about approaching faculty at these events. We want to be helpful.”