For university students, choosing a major can be a pressure-filled undertaking, but at Queen’s there is support available.

To help with the decision-making process, Queen’s is hosting its first Arts and Science Majors Night this Thursday at Grant Hall from 5-8 pm, where students can ask questions and learn about each program in the Faculty of Arts and Science.

“Choosing a program is a key decision for students, and it is important to offer them as much information as we can, so they can make an informed choice,” says Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney. “We have been working to integrate academic and career advising, and this new event is aimed at facilitating access to advice from peers and professional staff about all of the options available and where they can lead.”

Each Departmental Student Council (DSC) will have a booth, where students who have already gone through the process of selecting a major will be available to talk about their experiences in that major.  DSC reps will be in attendance from all Arts and Science programs as well as the Faculty of Education.

Attendees will be able to compare the different programs they are considering and explore if they line up with their interests and future goals.

“Plan selection is both exciting and a little nerve-wrecking. Students often think of it as choosing what you want to do for the rest of your life – now," says Gordon Smith, Vice-Dean,  Faculty of Arts and Science. "We see it more about choosing a great plan for the next three years. We want to make sure students find the best fit for them, both for now and for the long-term. Through our advisors, our events and the many on-campus resources, we hope students know that we are here to help them along their way."

Advisors from Academic Advising, Career Services and Peer Academic Support Service (PASS) will also be available to answer specific questions about choosing a program and where to find career resources at Queen’s.

Majors Night is a partnership between Career Services in the Division of Student Affairs, the Faculty of Arts and Science, the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS), and the Arts and Science Departmental Student Councils.

Queen’s also recently created “major maps” for all 44 of its undergraduate programs, making it the first university in Canada to do so.

The maps provide advice on academics, extracurricular activities, networking, international opportunities and career development, providing support before, during and after students earn their degree.

Students can access print versions of the maps through their faculty or department advisers. Career Services has also posted the maps online in web and accessible formats.

The Faculty of Arts and Science also has information that can be found online and posted a new video to help student in the process of choosing a major.