Undecided majors, your day has come

The information fair will feature faculty representatives from95 percent of The University's departments, said event organizerand academic counselor Ashley Cates.

"We want to connect students with their major," Cates said.

However, the fair is not just for those students yet to declarea major. Cates said it is also an opportunity for students toaffirm they've chosen the right major, for students to investigatecomplimentary minors or second majors and for students to furtherexplore career opportunities within their majors.

Unlike other schools, The U of M doesn't require its students todeclare a major after an allotted number of hours. However, saidshe encourages her students to declare by the end of theirsophomore year -- when they've completed most of their generaleducation requirements.

Cates said students are prone to selecting the wrong major whenthey make ill-informed decisions, which often stem from a lack ofknowledge about themselves or their major --both of which are to beaddressed by the fair.

The fair is a chance for U of M programs to gain publicity andfor students to gain information and explore their optionsconcerning The U of M's 57 majors, Cates said.

To make the most of the information fair, Cates said studentsshould come prepared with questions, be open to different optionsand be willing to spend time exploring. Students can't run throughthe event grabbing flyers and leaflets and expect to learn viaosmosis, she said.

Department representatives at the fair will give studentsinformation about degree requirements and career opportunities forthe various majors.

Cates encouraged students who don't like classes within theirmajors -- or who are concerned with their career options -- tovisit the fair to be exposed to other majors they may not haveconsidered and to learn about different career options for theircurrent major.

For students who want to change their major, Cates said,"there's a fine line between optimism and realism" when it comes tothe window of opportunity for switching.

"(However), I do discourage them from changing (majors) often,"said Cates.

Discover Your Major Day will be held Wednesday in the RoseTheater, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Refreshments will be provided anddoor prizes from local merchants will be awarded.