Exploration Week inspires students to chart their academic journeys

To encourage students to explore all the majors available to them, the College of Arts & Sciences, alongside partners across the university, hosted its inaugural Exploration Week from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3, providing undergraduate students the opportunity to learn more about potential areas of interest.  

The College of Arts & Sciences itself houses more than 40 departments and interdisciplinary programs spanning the arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural & health sciences. Departments across Arts & Sciences held a series of workshops and information sessions throughout the week to allow students to discover the breadth of majors available to choose from. 

The week was introduced following the success of Declaration Week in the spring, providing students with additional support for making informed decisions about their futures.  

“We know declaring a major can be daunting, that’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Exploration Week to give you the opportunity to explore your options and gather the information you need to make confident choices about your academic journey,” said Shelly Laurenzo, associate dean for undergraduate education & chief transfer officer for the College of Arts & Sciences. 

Doug Young, associate chair of the chemistry department, held an information session for prospective majors that highlighted unique aspects of the curriculum and the variety of careers pursued by the university’s chemistry alumni.  

“The panel of current chemistry majors showcased different routes to completing the major. Ideally, these perspectives will help newer students tailor their academic journeys in chemistry to their individual circumstances and aspirations,” Young said.  

For assistant professor of American Studies Alyssa Quintanilla, she hoped to use the “Caffeinate Your Curiosity with American Studies” event as an opportunity to inform interested students about the major and its applicability to a wide range of jobs.  

Similarly, Caroline Cromwell ‘26, chose to volunteer to help share her experience as an American Studies major with others.  

“We analyze a lot of the same topics through different lenses,” Cromwell said. “It’s a small, intimate community that has really prepared me for a lot of different fields. It’s very skill focused.”  

Elijah Glassford ‘28, an intended art history and classical studies double major, attended events hosted by both departments. The information sessions were an opportunity for Glassford to learn more valuable information about the departments.  

“I received a lot of advice from professors about the unique skills gained from each major and how they can be applied to future careers,” said Glassford. “It is very helpful that we’re able to attend these events and talk to faculty and other students in the major.” 

The College of Arts & Sciences plans to host the second annual Declaration Week in the spring as a complementary event to continue helping students navigate the process of declaring a major.