YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Presented byStudent Academic Success

Center

Choosing a Major Resources available to

help you choose a Major

Decision-making steps for choosing a major

Why start now?

Resources Available to Help You Choose a Major

Your Pre-Major Advisor! (go to www.gvsu.edu/sasc/undecided/)

US 102 Counseling and Career Development

Center Majors Fair and other events on

campus www.gvsu.edu/mcpath Faculty and other advising centers (see

list on next slide)

Academic Advising Centers on Campus

Student Academic Success Center For pre-major (undecided) students or students changing their major, 331-3588

Advising Centers: Seidman Undergraduate Student Services, 331-7500 CCPS Advising Center, 331-6890 CLAS Academic Advising Center, 331-8585 Kirkhof College of Nursing, 331-7160 College of Health Professions-Student Services, 331-3356 Padnos College of Engineering & Computing, 331-6025 College of Education Student Information & Services Center,

331-6650

Decision-making Steps for Choosing a Major

Step 1: Identify that you have to make a decision and give yourself a time frame in which you will make a decision.

Step 2: Determine what information you need to make the decision. (This can include things like self assessment of your skills, interests and values, information on careers, and academic requirements for the major)

Decision-making Steps for Choosing a Major (cont.)

Step 3: Gather information needed to make an informed decision.

Step 4: Evaluate possible major options.

Step 5: Select a major. Step 6: Develop an action plan.

(Use the Model for Academic and Career Success and the Educational Plan to implement your plan. Cut and paste this link to access copy of model http://www.gvsu.edu/cms3/assets/C714A380-E651-108F-5F88CA83BA764404/LearningModel_9.03.08.pdf

Important Information

2010/2011 catalog available at http://catalog.gvsu.edu

8-year contract Good Standing = 2.0 GPA (Some programs may require a

higher GPA and have other special entrance requirements.)

Academic Calendar: Drop/Add Week (CR/NC): Sep. 3 by 5:00 p.m. Mid-terms: Oct. 11-15 Drop Deadline—Grade W: Oct. 29 Finals Week: Dec. 13-18

Why Start Now

Looking at hypothetical freshman schedule of general education courses: Fall: WRT 150, MTH 110, PSY 101, GEO 111 Winter: HST 203 (sws), LIB 100, SOC 280,

BMS 100, ART 101 General Ed. Requirements remaining:

Mathematical Sciences World Perspectives Theme Wrt 305 and 1 SWS

Why Start Now (cont.)

Career Exploration Exercise: Brian Bossick, Counseling and Career Development Office

Why Start Now (cont.)

My Path Exercise

Why Start Now (cont.)

Resources for Academic Success Formula for success: For every hour in class,

plan on giving 2 hours outside class for “homework”. Student with 15 credits should have 28-30 designated study hours.

Tutoring, SLA, Writing Center, MS3: Go to www.gvsu.edu/sasc. Links are under Student Support.

Strategies for Success Workshop Series: Go to www.gvsu.edu/sasc and click on link for the Strategies for Success Workshop Series at the left.

Faculty