If Gone with the Wind's Scarlett O’Hara went to Memorial, she would have done it by now.
Declare a major, that is.
The Faculty of Arts is launching a month-long campaign to get undeclared students to do just that.
“Declaring a major in a university setting is part of developing a sense of identity," said Dr. Lynne Phillips, dean, Faculty of Arts. "It says ‘I’m interested in exploring the world inthis way; let’s see what happens.’ I think it is a way of developing a network of like-minded people as well as a way of understanding the world.
"Sometimes students feel torn between two different disciplines, but they can always do a double major as a way to investigate the tensions and parallels between two different ways of producing and engaging with knowledge.”
The goal of the iDeclare campaign is to increase the number of students declaring majors in one of the Faculty of Arts programs. It will actively engage the student community through posters on buildings, digital screens and social media.
There are several other tangible benefits to declaring a major, according to Denise Hooper, senior academic adviser and retention manager in the Faculty of Arts.
“By declaring a major, students become eligible for department awards and scholarships that faculty and department heads award to their own students. They are able to qualify for opportunities such as internships and study abroad programs,” said Ms. Hooper.
Declaring a major also keeps arts students on track and helps them graduate on time. And in the university’s largest faculty, it also gives students a sense of belonging and a place to call home.
Undeclared students will be contacted directly by email and are encouraged to speak to an adviser and make a decision about a major. Students can then simply send an email toreghelp@mun.ca from their @MUN email account, and including their student number and their chosen major and minor.
More information can be found at www.mun.ca/arts/ideclare.
