Willimantic, Conn. – Back by student demand, the Majors Fair occurred on March 13 in the Betty R. Tipton Room in Eastern Connecticut State University’s Student Center. The Majors Fair, intended to help students with undeclared majors pinpoint a course of study, brought together faculty from all academic departments in one room for students to speak with.
The Student Government Association (SGA), in collaboration with the Advising Services Center, organized and promoted the event, which hosted more than 20 informational tables staffed by faculty and served roughly 60 undeclared students.
“I’m leaning towards a major either in women’s studies or social work,” said undeclared freshman Kayla Enwerem. “I want to work with people, and the subject matter of these majors is real eye-opening to me.”
Last semester the SGA conducted a survey that showed that undeclared students felt “ignored.” This response encouraged SGA Student Issues Committee Chair Emily McDonald, a senior majoring in psychology, to reinstate the event—which had not taken place for several years due to lack of interest. “I switched majors earlier in my college career,” said McDonald, “so I can relate to the struggle of an undeclared major not knowing what to study or where to go.”
“Business administration is my number one prospect,” said undeclared freshman Alex Obernier. “I came to the Majors Fair to learn about different minors and concentrations. I’m considering minoring in marketing. Next semester I’ll declare.”
The Majors Fair was also promoted at local high schools for incoming Eastern freshmen. “I like the early childhood education major,” said incoming freshman Amber Dupont, a senior at Windham High School. “In school I’ve done a couple of ‘observations’ and I find the work interesting, and I just really like working with little kids.”
“I think I’ll go with either education or business administration,” said undeclared freshman Rebecca Pilney. “I came to a liberal arts school so I could test the waters and try a bit of everything.”