University College Academic and Career Advising Center 715-346-3226 www.uwsp.edu/acac acac@uwsp.edu M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Exploring Discovering Reflective Investigating Open Interested These are all words that could describe a student still deciding on a major. Now is a time to be excited about all the possibilities in fron of you. Don t limit yourself by getting caught up in the misconception that your major choice determines the rest of your career. While choosing a major will help you start to develop skills and experiences that will lead to a fulfilling professional life, it s not the only factor. In fact, many employers report they are interested more in characteristics like communication skills, work ethic, and teamwork skills than a specific degree type or major. It is okay to be undeclared. You are not alone. We are here to help. Content 1 Academic and Career Advising Center Syllabus 2 Adjustment to College 3 A Three Semester Plan for Choosing a Major 4 Intergrating Academic and Career Planning 5 The General Education Program (GEP) 6 Majors/Minors by Interest Area 7 A-Z Major/Minors 8 UWSP Academic and Career Advising Centers The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. 1
FIrst-Year/Transfer Student Advising Syllabus University College Academic and Career Advising Center 320 Albertson Hall 715-346-3226 Office hours: M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. acac@uwsp.edu www.uwsp.edu/acac Statement of Intent This syllabus outlines what is expected in the academic and career advising process during your time as an undecided major in the University College at UW-Stevens Point. Our advisers are here to help you transition to your new environment. Please refer to this document before each meeting with an adviser to make sure that you are familiar with how to make the most of the advising relationship. Contacting Your Adviser In order to effectively communicate with your adviser, please include the following information anytime you call or email an adviser: First name, last name and UWSP student ID number Brief statement of issue/concern, reason for appointment or comments/questions Return phone number (if a call is desired) Days and times you are available Student Learning Outcomes What students should know as a result of the advising process: Purpose of academic advising and role of academic adviser including: program and general education requirements, major exploration, and goal setting Role of career planning and the purpose of a liberal arts education in career preparation Campus support systems, technologies, and resources available General education/major/program specific requirements (minimum GPA, application processes, etc.) What students should do as a result of the advising process: Participate in major/career exploration with an academic and career adviser Access appropriate support systems, technologies and resources when needed Become an active member of a student organization connected to their area of interest Create a personalized academic and career exploration plan Academic and Career Advising Center Adviser and Staff Lisa Michalec, Director lmichale@uwsp.edu Shelley Auer sauer@uwsp.edu Libby Heidmann lheidman@uwsp.edu Andy Held aheld@uwsp.edu Carol Lanphear-Cook ccook@uwsp.edu Sue Kissinger skissing@uwsp.edu Justin Lechleiter jlechlei@uwsp.edu Laura Polum lpolum@uwsp.edu Amber Ruff-Brei aruffbre@uwsp.edu Julie Schneider jschneid@uwsp.edu Kami Weis kweis@uwsp.edu Julie Thiele, Office Manager jthiele@uwsp.edu The Advising Relationship: Student and Adviser Expectations Expectations of Students Communicate with your adviser Bring appropriate advising materials to each meeting with an adviser Utilize campus resources (including your adviser), systems and planning tools Follow through with appropriate actions after an advising meeting Accept responsibility for the academic decisions to be made Check UWSP email at least twice a week and respond to actionable emails from your UWSP account Expectations of Advisers Create and maintain a welcoming, respectful, supportive advising environment Be knowledgeable about UW-Stevens Point academic policies and procedures Provide timely and accurate information on academic requirements, policies and procedures Collaborate with students to generate solutions to challenges Connect students to campus and community resources Adhere to privacy guidelines set forth by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 1
Adjusting to College In high school, you were regularly instructed what to do and told if your performance (or effort) was lagging. you were often told what to remember from textbooks and reading material. learning was viewed as the ability to reproduce what you were taught in the way you were taught it. effort counted. In college, you re expected to manage coursework independently and seek help when you need it. In college, lectures and coursework are based on the assumption you have read and understand all assigned reading. learning is often seen as the ability to apply information or concepts to new situations or problems. results count. While your professors recognize goodfaith efforts, it will not substitute for mastering the content. Getting off to a good start Recognize that you will feel challenged at times What is going on in this class? What am I doing here in the first place? Am I the only one feeling overwhelmed or homesick? Carefully read the syllabus for each course Understand how your grade is determined (exams, papers, projects, weekly homework) When should course readings be done? Before lecture? End of the week? Highlight deadlines and exam dates When does the professor hold office hours? Manage your time effectively Plan on two hours out of class for every hour in class (2-1 ratio) Use a day planner or calendar Assign specific times to specific activities (readings, papers, note-review, work, athletics, etc.) Know your grades Keep a running score of your grades (syllabus calculation, D2L, adviser) Ask professor to double-check current or estimated grade Be Proactive! Take the College Student Inventory Explore majors early (What do I like to learn about?) Don t wait to use tutoring Join a student organization Use office hours to discuss questions or things you got wrong on tests Drop a class through the 10th week if necessary (usually doesn t hurt financial aid!) Be ready to register on time for next semester (approximately week 12) Don t expect to figure this all out on your own! Seek help from advisers, professors, residence hall staff (CAs, hall director) Support Services Counseling Center Delzell Hall, 715-346-3553 Disability and Assistive Technology Center 609 ALB, 715-346-3365 Enrollment Services 106 SSC, 715-346-3300 Diversity and College Access 204 SSC, 715-346-3829 Alliance of Nontraditional Students 070 DUC, 715-342-5327 Gender and Sexuality Resource Center 206 DUC, 715-346-3829 Multicultural Resource Center 208 DUC, 715-346-4737 International Students and Scholar Services 204 DUC, 715-346-3849 Tutoring Learning Center 018 ALB, 715-346-3568 Veterans Services 101 SSC, 715-346-8947 2
A Three Semester Plan for Choosing a Major Below is a list of resources and activities you can do to help you make an informed decision about your major and career. Make sure to check out the online version for live links to these resources and activities! SEMESTER ONE SEMESTER TWO SEMESTER THREE Adjustment and Awareness Goal: To adjust to college and increase academic and career awareness Get to know campus and people: Academic and Career advisers, peer advisers, professors, residence hall staff, coaches, etc. Tutoring-Learning Center (TLC) Take a study skills course (EDUC 105/106) Participate in intramurals and clubs to meet new people Become familiar with academic requirements: General Education Program Majors and minors (link on UW-Stevens Point homepage and course catalog) Explore Majors and Career Paths: Enroll in an introductory course within your potential major(s) Utilize CareerLocker Attend academic and career advising workshops Investigate the relationship between major and career Exploration Goal: Actively explore possible academic and career choices Talk to people and learn more about the world of work: Continue to narrow down potential majors and careers with your adviser Talk with friends, family, etc. to see how they ended up where they are now Chat with professors about their backgrounds and careers Visit the Career Fair Research specific occupations (hiring trends, salary projections, education needed) Seek out new experiences: Consider studying abroad through International Programs Join a student organization related to your major or career interests Volunteer to apply your skills and explore interests Pursue a part time job to develop new skills and gain experiences Clarify and Commit Goal: Commit to a major Expand your experiences outside the classroom: Shadow a professional or conduct informational interviews in your potential field Continue to volunteer or work Take on leadership roles in student organizations Identify professional organizations and read publications specific to your major or career goals Make the big step: Finalize out an educational plan and consider minors or certificates. Declare your major with the appropriate department Establish a good working relationship with your new adviser. Try not to worry so much that you don t have a major yet. You do have time. Go to the ACAC Office because they have everything you need and need to know! The staff there can help you make choices and answer questions! - Daniel Soulier from Odanah, Wis. 3
Career Development Integrating Academic and Career Planning Linking academics with career goals increases your focus, commitment and enjoyment of education. Take advantage of career counseling and career assessment instruments to see how academic and career exploration blend together to achieve: realistic self-appraisal, clarification of values and goals, implementation of an academic plan/ strategy, and success in achieving academic and career goals. To explore your options, during your first year we encourage you to: Assess your interests, career skills, and work values and connect these to careers using CareerLocker: uwsp.edu/career/pages/ wiscareers.aspx Get a concrete, accurate description of who you are and why you do things the way you do from taking an assessment on the 16 Personalities website: 16personalities.com/free-personality-test Explore the connection between majors and careers: What Can I Do With This Major whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/majors and What Can I Do With A Major In? uncw. edu/career/whatcanidowithamajorin.html Find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook: bls.gov/ooh See where UWSP graduates are working in the Follow-up Studies Report: uwsp.edu/career/ Pages/annualReports.aspx Make a Major and Career Exploration (MACE) appointment with one of the peer advisors: 715-346-3226 You can increase your career awareness by conducting informational interviews, job shadowing and getting involved in organizations or volunteer activities. Along the way, get practical experience and participate in internships. In doing so, you will gain knowledge and experience, learn new skills and hone other skills that will serve you well in life. Additional career services include assistance in preparing for the job search, locating jobs/relevant experiences, and pursuing graduate/professional school. We re here to help you. Start early with your career action plan! Leadership 77.8% Ability to work as a team 77.8% Written communication 73.4% Problem-Solving Skills 70.9% Strong work ethic 70.4% Analytical/quantitative skills 68% Technical skills 67.5% Verbal communication skills 67% Initiative 66.5% Computer Skills 62.6% Flexibility and adaptability 62.1% Interpersonal skills 60.6% 4 4
General Education Program (GEP) Mission Statement: The General Education Program provides the framework of a liberal education, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to facilitate intellectual and personal growth, pursue their advanced studies, and improve the world in which they live. Program Outcomes The General Education Program seeks to develop these qualities of global citizenship in four distinct ways. After completing the general education curriculum, students will: Demonstrate critical thinking, quantitative and communication skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing global society. Demonstrate broad knowledge of the physical, social and cultural worlds as well as the methods by which this knowledge is produced. Recognize that responsible global citizenship involves personal accountability, social equity and environmental sustainability. Apply their knowledge and skills, working in interdisciplinary ways to solve problems. Relationship Between GEP and Degree Types The GEP applies to all students regardless of degree type (BA, BS, BM and BFA). In addition to the GEP, there are degree requirements for the BA, BS, BM and BFA that have been integrated into majors. Communication in the Major Experiential Learning Integration Capstone Experience in the Major Interdisciplinary Studies Global Awareness U.S. Diversity Environmental Responsibility Arts Humanities Historical Perspectives Investigation Social Sciences Natural Sciences Cultural and Environmental Awareness Written / Oral Communication Quantitative Literacy Wellness Cultural and Environmental Awareness requirements can be met through courses in the Foundation, Investigation or Integration levels. Foundation 5
Majors by Interest Area Italicized programs available only as minors or certificates. Pre-Professional Programs (Not Majors) Pre-Chiropractic Pre-Dentistry Pre-Engineering Pre-Law Pre-Medicine Pre-Mortuary Pre-Nursing Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician s Assistant Pre-Veterinary Science Arts Art (2-D, 3-D Graphic Design, Art History) Arts Management Dance Human Technology Interaction Instrumental Music Interior Architecture Music Theatre Business, Management, and Analysis Accounting American Studies (Working in a Global Economy) Arts Management Business Administration Computer Information Systems Communication Data Analytics Economics Family and Consumer Science Health Science (Health Care Informatics, Administration) Human Technology Interaction Mathematics Political Science Professional Writing Resource Management Children and Youth Communication Sciences and Disorders Dietetics Education Family and Consumer Sciences Health Promotion/Wellness Physical Education Psychology Resource Management Social Work Sociology Diversity American Studies Business Administration Education English as a Second Language World Languages and Literature (French, German, Spanish) History International Relations International Studies Language Study Native American Studies Peace Studies Philosophy (Religious Studies) Political Science Psychology Sociology Women and Gender Studies Environment Certain tracks of majors in the natural sciences Environmental Studies Fisheries and Water Resources Forestry Geography Geoscience Paper Science and Engineering Philosophy (Environmental Ethics) Resource Management Soil and Waste Resources Sustainable Food and Nutrition Wildlife Ecology Health and Wellness Athletic Training Biomedical Writing Certain tracks of majors in the natural sciences Clinical Laboratory Science Coaching Communication Sciences and Disorders Dietetics Health Promotion/Wellness Health Science Physical Education Social Science in Health Sustainable Food and Nutrition Human Behavior American Studies Athletic Training Communication Communication Sciences and Disorders Dietetics Education Family and Consumer Sciences Health Promotion/Wellness History Human Technology Interaction International Studies Peace Studies Political Science Psychology Philosophy (Religious Studies) Resource Management Social Science Social Work Sociology Sustainable Food and Nutrition Women and Gender Studies Humanities Creative Writing English History International Studies Medieval Renaissance Philosophy Philosophy (Religious Studies) World Languages and Literature (French, German, Spanish) Interdisciplinary American Studies Arts Management Individually Planned Major International Studies Natural Science Biochemistry Biology Chemistry Geography Geoscience Majors in the College of Natural Resources Paper Science and Engineering Physics 6
A-Z Majors and Minors UW-Stevens Point offers the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, and Associate degrees. The list below includes majors, minors, concentrations, options, areas of emphasis and other significant courses. Topics teacher certifiable are marked with *. For more detailed information about academic programs, click on the Majors and Minors link on the UW-Stevens Point homepage. Accounting nl American Studies nl Arabic Art n - 2-D - 3-D - Graphic Design - Art History Art History l Arts Management n Athletic Training n Biochemistry n Biofuels Engineering l Biology nl* Business Administration nl - Entrepreneurship - Finance, Insurance and Real Estate - International Business - Management - Marketing Captive Wildlife l Chemistry nl* Chinese Clinical Laboratory Science n - Cytotechnology - Histotechnology - Medical Technology Communication nl - Interpersonal/Organizational - Media Studies - Public Relations Communication Sciences and Disorders n* Computer Information Systems nl Conservation Biology l Dance nl Data Analytics n Dietetics n Earth Science l* Economics nl* Education, Early Childhood n* Education, Elementary n* Education, Special nl* Education, Secondary Certifications* English nl* English as a Second Language l* Environmental Communication l Environmental Education for Elementary and Middle School l* Environmental Education/ Interpretation l Environmental Geography l Environmental Law/Enforcement l Environmental Studies l Family and Consumer Sciences n* - Teacher certification - Child, Youth and Family Studies Fisheries and Water Resources n Forest Recreation l Forestry nl French nl* Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis l Geography nl* Geology l Geoscience n German nl* Gerontology l Health Education l* Health Promotion n Health Science n - Health Care Administration - Health Care Informatics - Pre-Occupational Therapy - Pre-Physical Therapy History nl* Human Technology Interaction nl Individually Planned Major n Interior Architecture n International Resource Management l International Studies nl Japanese Mathematics nl* Military Science (Army ROTC) l Music nl* Native American Studies l Natural Science n* Natural Science, Broad-field l* Paper Science and Engineering n Peace Studies l Philosophy nl - Philosophy - Environmental Ethics - Religious Studies Physical Education n* Physics nl* Political Science nl* Psychology nl* Resource Management nl* Russian Small City Analysis l Social Science, Broad-field nl* Social Science in Health l Social Work n Sociology nl* Soil and Waste Resources nl Spanish nl* Sustainable Energy l Sustainable Food and Nutrition n Theatre Arts - Drama nl - Musical Theatre n Undecided/Undeclared Water Resources l Wildlife Ecology nl Women s Studies l Writing l Biomedical, Creative, Professional Preprofessional (Areas of Emphasis) Chemical Engineering, Chiropractic, Dental, Engineering, Law, Medical, Mortuary, Nursing, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physician s Assistant, Veterinary Multi-disciplinary Certificates Aquaponic, Basic Second Language Proficiency, Bilingual- Bicultural Education, Coaching, Energy Education, Geographic Information Systems, Instrumental Music Performance, International Relations, Language Study, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Sustainable Energy, Wetland Science 7
Academic and Career Advising Centers University College ACAC 320 ALB, 715-346-3226 Career/Major Exploration (Undecided Majors and Students in Transition) Associate Degree Interest/personality Assessments (CISS, MBTI, Strengths) Employee Relations (Handshake Job Postings) Job Search Preparation COFAC ACAC 257 NFAC, 715-346-4141 Art and Design Communication Music Theater and Dance COLS ACAC 108 CCC, 715-346-2195 Biology Chemistry Computing and New Media Technologies English Geography and Geology History Mathematical Sciences Philosophy Physics and Astronomy Political Science Psychology Sociology and Social Work World Languages and Literatures CPS ACAC 128 CPS, 715-346-2112 Business and Economics Communication Sciences and Disorders Education Health Care Professionals Health Promotion and Human Development Interior Architecture Military Science (ROTC) CNR ACAC 122 TNR, 715-346-4081 Fisheries and Water Resources Forestry Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management Paper Science and Engineering Soil and Waste Resources Wildlife Ecology College of Letters and Science Academic and Career Advising Center College of Fine Arts and Communication Academic and Career Advising Center University College Academic and Career Advising Center College of Professional Studies Academic and Career Advising Center 8 College of Natural Resources Academic and Career Advising Center