First Year Advising Center

students on campus

Exploring Majors? Consider the University Advising Program!

Whether an incoming freshman, transfer student or current student at WIU, the University Advising (U/A) program is a home for all students at any stage of the major exploration process. U/A Academic Advisors seek to empower students who are exploring majors by identifying their personal, academic, career, and life goals. U/A Advisors not only assist students in navigating and selecting courses that fulfill general education requirements, but also help students find courses that will allow them to explore their major(s) of interest.

Students in the U/A program can declare a major at any point, so long as the change of major process is being followed. Students are allowed to remain within the U/A program until they have earned 45 semester hours, at which point they must declare a major.

Common Questions

Can I be a U/A student if I am an incoming transfer student?

Yes- so long as the student is bringing in less than 45 semester hours, they can be in the U/A program.

If I have a declared major, can I change into the U/A program?

Yes- so long as the student does not have 45 or more semester hours, they can change over to the U/A program. However, before they can complete the change of major form, they would need to talk to the Director of First Year Advising Center and Student Learning Center.

Am I only allowed to take general education courses as a U/A student?

Not at all. In fact, U/A students are encouraged to take a course/course(s) that relate to their major(s) of interest to help them narrow down their options. Some majors have important pre-requisites that must be complete, so it is important that U/A students have a balance of exploratory courses within major(s) and general education courses.

I am unable to meet the graduation requirements for my current major and I have more than 45 semester hours, can I change into the U/A program?

If a student is being told they will not be able to complete the requirements for their current major, but they know which major they want to change over to, they can simply connect with the academic advisor for that major directly. Students must meet with the major advisor before they can change majors and complete the declaration of major form.

View list major advisors to schedule a meeting

Learn more about changing majors

If a student does not have any idea what major they want to declare, they are welcome to schedule a meeting with the Director of the First Year Advising Center & Student Learning Center. While they may not be eligible to change over to the U/A program, they can still receive the support they need to help them identify a major that works for them.

Major and Career Exploration Resources

In addition to meeting with a U/A Academic Advisor, the following are other campus resources that can assist students in exploring and identifying major(s) that may be a good fit for them:

You're in GREAT Company

It is common for undeclared students to worry about not having a major. They might feel they should hurry and make a choice quickly, but it is completely normal to explore different academic options at Western. Being a U/A student allows them the opportunity to explore and help them make the best informed decision.

QUESTIONS? 
Contact: Dr. Miguel A. Huerta
 Email: m-huerta2@wiu.edu
Make an appointment