What is the Exploratory Program for undeclared students?
The Exploratory Program provides undeclared students with specialized advising, self-exploration tools and unique programming to help them uncover the best choice for their interests and goals. This is a support program, NOT an academic major students can graduate with. Exploratory students have four major supports:
- Exploratory Advisors: Faculty from different departments all over campus who have specialized training to understand working with Exploratory students. They focus on picking classes with Exploratory students that count for a general education requirement and something they are interested in.
- Exploratory Peer Leaders: Student staff who are trained to work with Exploratory students throughout the year to provide support as they think about the different options available to them. They focus on outreach, community building, and preparing them to meet with their advisors for advising and registration period.
- Academic and Social Events: Throughout the year, the office hosts academic and social events to build community with Exploratory students and get them thinking about what they want to do. Our Panels and Fireside Chats are open to all, while the rest are offered specifically for Exploratory Students.
- Canvas Support Page: This is a support page with announcements, advisor information, peer leader assignments, and a variety of assessments for students to do on their own. Exploratory students can find the Canvas page here.
What policies should be aware of as an Exploratory (undeclared) student?
We encourage Exploratory Students to declare within their first year (May), but they can declare at any time throughout the year. They can find the process to here.
We also have two holds from the Exploratory office; the goal of both is to ensure students do not get behind in their future major and are able to declare a major. Both holds list as an “Exploratory hold”, but students will get messaging in Navigate, and be added to a campaign regarding which hold they have. They are placed in Mid-September to give students time to connect with me and get their hold lifted:
- 45-Credit Hold: Exploratory students MUST declare by 45-credits. This ensures they are still able to graduate in time. In many cases, they are out of general education requirements before this point. The hold is placed on students who are over 31 credits.
- 2.0 GPA Hold: Exploratory students MUST have over a 2.0 GPA to declare their major. Therefore, a hold is placed on their account when fall underneath this threshold. I send them the Exploratory Academic Improvement form before our meeting. Then, they must fill out parts I and II before meeting with me.
What should I be doing as I work to discover my interests as an Exploratory (undeclared) student, or if I’m considering adding a minor?
Student who are in the Exploratory Program can follow the Exploratory Toolkit process outlined here.
The Exploratory Program hosts 6 Fireside chats throughout the school year that are open to student of ANY major. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn from faculty in a causal setting about different majors and minors available to them. Check out our social media to see what faculty will be attending each session!
- Discovery of Interests : Thursday, September 12th 3:00 PM -4:00 PM, Forten 123
- Facing your Fears: Tuesday, October 8th, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Forten 123
- Gratefulness: Wednesday, November 13th, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Forten 123
- Winter Reset: Wednesday, January 29th 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Forten 123
- Find your Passions in the Field: Tuesday, February 25th, 3:00 PM -4:00 PM. Forten 123
- Finishing off Strong: Thursday, March 27th, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, Forten 123
Who should I contact with any questions or concerns regarding declaring my major or adding a minor?
If you have questions, please email Exploratory@salemstate.edu. You can also find more information regarding social media etc. here.