Major, Minor, and Certificate Declarations
Academic AdvisingÌý
Every enrolled degree-seeking student must complete a major.Ìý A student has the option of pursuing a second major as well as one or more minors outside of their major discipline.Ìý ÌýA student must also complete course work to fulfill the requirements of our Core Program and two Signature Learning Experiences, which provide a broad and liberal education at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ.
The Office of Registration and Records works collaboratively with Academic Advising to ensure student declarations adhere to written academic policy guidelines.Ìý Students are assigned Academic Advisors for majors, second majors, and minors.Ìý ÌýNon-degree seeing students are also assigned an advisor through the Center for Student Success (i.e. ½ûÂþÌìÌÃing International Students and DUAL Enrollment).Ìý
How do First-Year Students declare their majors?
All First-Year students officially declare their major, or may choose to be listed as undecided/undeclared, as part of the preliminary check-in process via Jayweb, this occurs between the fall and spring semesters of the first year.Ìý Students may declare up to two majors and one minor via the online check-in.Ìý The Center for Student Success/Academic Advising will partner with the Office of Registration and Records in the process of notifying all First-Year students when they have been assigned a new advisor along with Starfish instructions to log in and view the new advising assignments in early spring.
What if I am undecided about a major?
Undecided (or exploring) students will be assigned an advisor from the Office of Academic Advising. They will provide you with guidance and support as you explore major and career options.Ìý Please contact the Center for Student Success via email or by dialing (717) 361-1415 .
How do I declare or modify a Major, Minor or Certificate declaration?
Students complete and submit the onlineÌý"Major, Minor, Certificate, Declaration Form"ÌýthroughÌýJayWeb.Ìý You will need to enter your JayWeb username and password to access the form.
What if I need to change my major and preparations for Registration Week are underway?
As this process requires assistance with the advising assignment and the School governing the program, you MUST complete theÌý ÌýPRIOR to Academic Advising Period before Registration Week.ÌýÌý Declaration requests made during the Academic Advising Period in preparation for open Registration will be executed AFTER registration week.
- Any courses requiring a specific major to enroll will need to be negotiated by the department governing the course discipline through the programs Pre-enrollment form.Ìý ÌýÌý
- Your existing primary advisor will be responsible for granting your registration clearance for the next semester.
Majors thatÌý may not Ìýbe declared through the Office of Registration and Records
Several programs have an internal process managed by the School governing the program.Ìý ÌýThis process is managed by the program director and our Admissions Office.Ìý ÌýSuch programs require a specific auditions, applications or entrance examinations.Ìý Ìý
Programs:
- Health Sciences/ Occupational Therapy
- Music
- Music Education
- Music Therapy
- Physician Assistant Specialist
How do I submit an Individualized Major proposal?
An Individualized Major at ½ûÂþÌìÌà allows students to pursue unique disciplinary trajectories by working in close collaboration with faculty from multiple disciplines. Students will select faculty co-advisors from two different disciplines, or a faculty advisor and an advisor from the Academic Advising Office. After a student completes 30 credits hours and before completing 48 credit hours, a student may submit an Individualized Major Proposal Form to the Office of Registration and Records. We will share your academic interests with the Dean for Academic Affairs & Faculty Development. Students cannot propose an individualized major necessitating certification by an external accrediting body. The Individualized Major Proposal Form is on the Forms and Petitions web page.
How do I submit an Integrative Studies (BA/BA) Major proposal?
Students are encouraged to contact the Center fo Student Success and/or the Dean of Faculty to discuss options for declaring an Integrative Studies major.Ìý Ìý The Integrative Studies Proposal is on the Forms and Petitions web page.Ìý
How do I propose a second major/minor combination without predominate prefix?
Second majors and minors represent additional knowledge and interest in areas outside the first major. Therefore, second majors and minors must be selected in disciplines outside the first major, and additional minors must be selected in disciplines outside the first minor.Major and minor disciplines are determined by the predominant course prefix of the major/minor course requirements. For secondary education majors, the major subject area is considered to be the discipline of the major.
If you would like to pursue a second major or a minor that does not meet the foregoing disciplinary criteria, in terms of predominate course prefix, then you may submit a written appeal explaining (a) why you are seeking to pursue the majors/minors in question and (b) how you see the two programs as distinct disciplines.
Please submit the Second Major or Minor Predominate Prefix Petition to (1) the dean(s) of the majors/minors concerned and, provided they approve, (2) the Dean for Academic Affairs & Faculty Development.Ìý If all parties approve, the proposal will be forwarded to the Office of Registration and Records (Zug 210) for processing.Ìý