Mandatory Advising for Students in an Undeclared Major
The College of Letters and Science is committed to supporting and empowering our students to create and follow a plan for self-exploration and investigation of major and career options.
Our goal is to make advising accessible for all students. We recognize that students are individuals, and have different circumstances, personal responsibilities and learning styles that may require balancing their academic lives differently to be successful.
Although students are required to declare their major by the time they have completed 90 units, our research has shown that students who declare their major by the end of their 5th quarter of enrollment have the best educational outcomes.
Undeclared Major Mandatory Advising Requirement
To ensure that you access the resources and support to actively explore and declare a major that is a great fit for you, we have implemented an undeclared mandatory advising hold. This future hold is placed in your second year of enrollment and will block your registration for the quarter when you will reach 90 units.
If you are ready and eligible to declare your major, submit a Change of Major petition online through OASIS. When the Change of Major is approved, your hold will be removed. Hint: Check the Catalog and major department website for any requirements to declare the major. If possible, meet with a major advisor to create an academic plan (OASIS – forms & petitions).
If you have decided on a major but you have not met the requirements to declare, meet with a major advisor to determine if you will be able to meet the requirements to declare the major prior to completing 90 units. If you will not be eligible to declare the major by 90 units, make a plan to declare an alternate major. Hint: Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a College of Letters and Science advisor to discuss your options.
If you are still exploring your major options, please participate in our Major Exploration opportunities.
- Attend one of our Major Exploration Workshops.
- Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a College of Letters and Science advisor.
- Check out these resources for self and major exploration.
Remember: your hold will not block registration until the listed effective date. Make sure to plan and meet with advisors in advance so that you can officially declare prior to completing 90 units.
We Advise, You Decide
Advising is a partnership. Your advising team is dedicated to your academic success and to support you in achieving your personal, academic and future goals. But ultimately, your success requires you to be an active participant in the advising process.
To get the most out of advising, be ready to engage in a conversation and come prepared with questions. Remember, this is your education and it's your responsibility to take ownership for it.
FAQs
- Who is required to participate in Mandatory Advising for students in an undeclared major?
- All students in an Undeclared major in their 5th quarter of enrollment participate.
- What happens if I don't participate in Mandatory Advising for students in an undeclared major?
- If you have not participated in mandatory advising and your advising hold becomes active, the hold will prevent you from enrolling courses or making any changes to your class schedule. Participate in a major exploration workshop or meet with an advisor to create a plan to declare your major prior to completing 90 units. If you are ready and eligible to declare your major, submit your change of major form to have your hold removed.
- What if I have already decided on my major?
- Your registration hold will be removed when your change of major petition is approved. (OASIS – Forms & Petitions – Change of Major) If you are not yet eligible to declare your planned major, meet with an advisor to create a plan to declare a major prior to completing 90 units.