Parents & Family

First year students are exposed to a variety of experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom, as they begin their collegiate career.  A large number of students are either undecided or uncertain about which discipline to major in.  Through sampling a variety of courses, seeking career counseling with Career Services, and having discussions with faculty and advisors, students are able to narrow their choices and select an appropriate field of study.  It is very common for declared students to also realize that they have not selected an appropriate field and change their major to some other area of interest.  Identifying a major or reaffirming one's choice of major is a natural developmental process during a student's first year (and sometimes second year, too). 

Students are also encouraged to get involved in extra curricular activities.  By joining various academic clubs, students are able to receive a different perspective on disciplines and may have opportunities to interact with professionals in the field.  This interaction helps students develop a network of contacts, which will be useful when students seek an internship or full-time position later in their academic careers.  Students are also able to decide if an academic discipline meets their expectations.  Students should also explore opportunities where they can develop leadership, interpersonal, conflict resolution, or other similar skills.  By engaging in these opportunities, students are able to identify their individual strengths and weaknesses, which is an important element in the major/career exploration process.

Students may complete a bachelor’s degree in a 4-year time span by averaging 15 credits per semester and working closely with advisors to make sure that graduation requirements are being met.  Some degrees require more than 120 credits, so students in those programs will need to average slighter higher credit loads per semester or realize that they may be in school for slightly more than four years.  Students also need to take classes when they're offered.  Students who choose not to take a required class because it is offered at an undesirable time will most likely experience a longer stay at the university.  

Please keep in mind that not all students wish to graduate in four years.  Some students are supporting themselves financially and need to work 30-40 hours per week, which means they aren't able to average 15 credits per semester.  Also, some students find that due to the academic expectations of their coursework, they are not able to take more than 12-13 credits per semester.  Thus, those students who wish to graduate in 4 years can, while others may choose not to for very legitimate reasons.