On Wednesday, the Youngstown State University Academic Advising Association hosted the Majors and Minors Exploration Fair in the Chestnut Room ofKilcawley Center. The event helped YSU students explore different major and minor programs offered at the university.
The fair introduced students to more than 100 undergraduate majors and minors and provided them with the opportunity to interact with academic advisors from each of the six undergraduate colleges.
Students who attended the fair were able to ask questions about what the different majors offered. Alexandria Shields, undecided about her major, said the fair gave students a chance to explore different majors without feeling rushed.
“Sometimes, picking a major is very stressful, and you feel rushed into it once you apply for college, and the fair is a way for us to get more
information on all the majors,” Shields said.
Brenda Crouse, senior academic advisor of Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics, added that the fair served as an important opportunity for students.
“I think it’s a fabulous opportunity for students to explore the majors and minors. There are hands-on activities, materials, opportunities to talk to faculty and staff, and it will take the guesswork out of students that are undetermined,” Crouse said. “It’s a great program.”
Mary Jane Quaranta, STEM advisor, and Laurie Paul, co-chair of the Fair Committee, said that they hope to help students discover their passions.
“We want students to know that this event is not so driven by what is seen on paper,” Paul said. “We want students here. We want them at YSU, and we want them to find a career path that they feel passionate about without feeling intimidated.”
Quaranta said the fair gave students the opportunity to talk about possible majors and minors.
“This gives students a chance to talk, if they’re willing to take that first step,” Quaranta added. “It’s not a forced march for people to come. It’s all by volunteer.”
The fair is not new to the university, but some additions were added to enhance student activity. Quaranta and Paul said many new groups attended the fair this year.
“We have a lot of new groups that are joining us this year for the first time — the Center for International Studies and Programs, Professional Services, and STEM, and even members of the YSU football team,” Quaranta said.
The Majors and Minors Exploration Fair is also working with Professional Practice Program from the WCBA to assist students with potential majors.
“We are working collaboratively across campus to assist students to see the broad range of possibilities during their years at YSU. Students can drop by instead of having to schedule appointment times, which can sometimes be intimidating,” Quaranta said.
