On Oct. 16, 2020, Elizabethtown College held their annual Majors, Minors and Co-Curricular Learning Fair. Though this event was different compared to previous years (being virtual due to COVID-19 guidelines), students still had the opportunities to learn about the various programs offered at the College. Any student could attend this service and received encouragement from faculty members to come with any questions or concerns to be addressed through discussion.
Individuals that attended this event had the ability to meet with department members of each major or minor via Zoom. They talked with representatives of any program(s) to gain information on the specific area(s) of study. Attendees who had thoughts of perusing a variety of different fields could travel to numerous meetings to learn about the multiple programs. A few examples of the diverse degrees offered at Etown are English (B.A), Health Sciences (B.S), Fine Arts (B.A), Japanese (B.A), Legal Studies (B.A) and Computer Science (B.S).
If one is considering a potential major or minor, Academic Affairs Program Coordinator Carol Costa Ouimet suggests reaching out to any faculty in that program. She continues with students exploring “the course requirements on the registration and records website (course catalog), and most importantly, having a conversation with their academic advisor.” She encourages students to do these tasks before Spring Course registration.
An undecided major discussion was also held during the fair for students that have not chosen an academic track. This conversation was extremely helpful for deciding students to gain information about the opportunities offered at the College. This Zoom meeting was held by Assistant Director of Academic Advising Curtis Smith and he addressed questions relating to a multitude of ideas on various areas of study. In this discussion, students could talk about majors they wanted to explore and received advice for choosing a field.
Smith nudged students to meet with their current advisor to converse about any ideas relating to potential majors. From this, his or her advisor could suggest core classes that relate to their areas of interests; through this idea, the student will see if this passion towards this field of study grows after completing the class. Another possibility is to set up a meeting between the student and the department chair of the chosen potential major. Career Services is also a valuable resource where the undecided student can set up discussions with alumni about a certain major(s), explore internships or examine career pathways.
If a student is undecided and does not find a program that is specifically designed for what he or she wants to do, an individualized major may come play. An individualized major is created for a particular student’s needs and interests for their future career. It is for those who do not see their goals being met with an already established major tract, or even a double major; therefore, this student can establish an individualized learning experience based on his or her learning goals. With this type of major, students work to develop their very clear vision of goals becoming accomplished.
This can be a very exciting opportunity for those who do not see their “dream major” listed. If one is interested in learning more about this unique opportunity, the student can look to the c College’s website and view the Individualized Major tract located in the Degrees, Majors and Minors section.
Overall, this annual Majors, Minors and Co-Curricular Learning Fair was considered a success and helpful resource for students. Any academician of Elizabethtown College is encouraged to attend next year’s event to clarify any questions or concerns relating to a potential major or minor of interest.
