It is that time in the semester that I want to remind all of you (and faculty/staff and students) about services available at the Counseling Center for students to clarify career directions with regard to academic majors and careers/graduate school after graduation. But first I want to alert you that next week, April 13th Majors Walk-In will end at 2:30pm due to search interviews in the Counseling Service.

 

1.       Majors Walk-In will be available through April 27th for students needing to choose, change, or clarify their academic majors. Students can walk-in without an appt. anytime 1-3pm on Wednesdays, with the exception - April 13th Majors Walk-In will end at 2:30pm due to search interviews. Students are introduced and oriented to SIGI 3 is a self-paced career information system where they can identify careers and majors that would be suitable to their interests, values and personality. This system is also linked to comprehensive occupational information (Occupation Outlook Handbook online and O*NET online) and is a terrific resource for learning about different career paths, educational requirements for careers, employment trends, salaries, and more. Once students are oriented, they may continue their career exploration from any computer with internet connections through a secure login. This walk-in service has been a popular option and very positive feedback has been received regarding the helpfulness of SIGI 3. Thank you for your continued referrals.

2.       EDCP 108c: Choosing a Major-1 cr. Several sections of this course are offered both fall and spring semesters. Students can explore careers and majors that are consistent with their interests, values, and academic goals within a small, interactive classroom setting. Sections are limited to 20 students. We encourage you to promote this option to freshmen and sophomores in your programs who have not yet chosen a specific major or who are questioning their choice of a major. This option is underutilized currently. Increased enrollment particularly by those you may identify as “struggling” academically might be well-served to enroll in this course and/or EDCP 108b before their situation becomes acute. EDCP 108c and/or EDCP 108g can offer critical support to transfer students in being better prepared for the rigor of our degree programs.

3.       EDCP 499a:Transition to Careers in a Global Workplace-2 cr. This course is offered to juniors and seniors who need to clarify career and educational plans following graduation. The course was first piloted in Spring 2010. Because of the high demand for this course the past 3 semesters, we are piloting the expansion of enrollment to 30 students for fall 2011. Encourage your students to register early!

4.       Individual Career Counseling. As always, if you feel a student needs more personalized support as they explore majors, career paths, or career-related decisions, individual counseling (X47651) is available. Individual counseling is also beneficial if the student has other stressors such as academic difficulty, health issues, family or personal support needs as well as career concerns.