Exploring Your Options:
Exploring Your Options:Some university students have known since they were five years old the particular major and career they wanted to pursue. However, most decide much later and most change majors and careers several times. The knowledge explosion, developments in technology and changing economic and political systems are reasons given for the need to change careers and to continue learning over one's lifetime. In a very real sense we all are engaged in the ongoing process of deciding.
Deciding is an action word. It describes some of the most dynamic opportunities available to students at Wichita State University. It means that students naming Deciding as their "major" are in the process of exploration. They are thinking about how their interests, needs, values and abilities might match up with a major or career. If you know one of these Deciding students, the faculty and staff of the University want to help the student make the best decisions for him/her.
LAS Advising Center. . .
is the first academic home at Wichita State for new Liberal Arts & Sciences freshman students who are in
the process of deciding on a major. Its purpose is to assist students in getting off to a
good start. University College also introduces students to academic programs and services
designed to help them succeed. The following resources are offered:
Orientation
introduces all entering freshmen to Wichita State academics, provides them with the
resource information they need, and helps students become familiar with academic
expectations. Orientation also introduces students to student organizations. In short - it
teaches how to be successful at WSU and enjoy being a student. The Orientation program
also includes advising and early registration for the first semester.
Academic Advising
begins with a Shocker Connection hour appointment but continues throughout the year. It is more than filling out a
course schedule. Advising is intended to make accurate information available, and to
develop a relationship with a knowledgeable advisor who cares about the student.
LAS Advising Center staff are available 49 hours per week, year 'round, for appointments to
help students with academic planning and decision making. They can also help students
understand policies, procedures and academic requirements.
Instructional Programs
include three courses of particular interest to freshmen:
Special Programs & Services
are offered to increase student chances of succeeding at WSU. Workshops, mentoring
(students helping students), and classes aimed at meeting particular needs of students are
included in these efforts.
Faculty
are the University's most important academic resource. They teach and do
research. They are involved in their community, from the campus and local level to the
international level. They will share knowledge, advice and experience that can help
students make informed decisions about careers and academic majors through coursework and
individual appointments.
The General Education Program Handbook
gives an overview of each course within the General Education Program. Since the
general education program is about one-third of all coursework, it is important that
students carefully plan to meet their academic needs. The General Education Program is
designed to help students develop effective communication, thinking and learning skills.
It can help students understand how crucial information affects them. In short, the General Education Program can help students be informed, active contributors to society. The General Education Handbook assists students in making the best coursework decisions.
Supplemental Instruction
offers a proactive and participative method for motivating students to earn
higher grades while they learn effective study skills related to specific classes. It
provides an environment in addition to class time within which students can discuss and
process the course material with others. Advisors and
faculty can help in exploring the select group of Supplemental Instruction courses offered
each semester.
The Counseling & Testing Center
offers academic, personal and career counseling. The Center assists students with
some of the challenges and changes they may face. Students may make arrangements to take
the American College Test (ACT), CLEP, and Credit By Exam. Interest and career tests are
also available.
Career Services
offers career counseling and interest testing. It also has a career resource
center that has useful materials to help students make better career decisions.
Cooperative Education Program
allows students to get direct work experience and academic credit (under the
direction of a faculty member). The Co-Op Program can be a great way to sample the
day-to-day realities in an area of interest to students. Students must meet semester hour
and g.p.a. requirements for eligibility.
On-campus clubs & organizations
provide group and leadership experience, as well as association with students,
faculty and community members. Clubs and organizations sponsor speakers, social activities
and opportunities to learn about career and job opportunities.
On-campus jobs
provide opportunities to get practical experience and meet students, faculty and
staff. Campus jobs also develop good person-to-person skills. They are a chance to earn
money in a way that fits in with the student's scheduled classwork.
Emory Lindquist Honors program
provides an enriched university experience to outstanding students. It aims to
promote academic excellence through information, counseling, independent research and
small group instruction under the leadership of senior career faculty. It is a potential
community of scholars.
