Recommended during your first 14 semester hours.

NARROW - a period of initial matching of personal interests and talents with occupations and training
Recommended as you earn from 15 to 29 semester hours.

SELECT - a period of confirmation of your selected goal
Recommended as you earn from 30 to 39 semester hours.

DECLARE - a period of establishing yourself on course to your target degree
Required at 40 semester hours.

Although each step lays the foundation for the next, you may at times wish to repeat parts or all of a given section. Each section provides you with tools and recommended actions to be addressed within a time frame. Some may be utilized quickly, others may take longer to accomplish. You may not always meet the suggested time schedule, but you should note your progress in relation to your accumulating credit hours. You are cautioned against skipping steps in your decision making process as each item is included to support your selection.

As you begin each section, you should read through the complete section to familiarize yourself with the purpose and goals. You should use a Semester Planning Calendar to help plan each quarter. Set aside specific time periods for working on Major Decisions. You should plan to avoid peak times such as the first week of classes, midterm, priority registration, the final week of classes and exams. The 3rd through the 6th weeks of the term are usually good options for working on the Major Decisions guide. Make appropriate appointments with yourself, with your advisor, and with others as each section recommends. Remember to designate time to adequately prepare for appointments to maximize the outcomes. The 'Where to Find It' pages provide reference maps for locating services or offices noted in each section.

You should keep a journal or notebook to help you keep track of your progress toward choosing a major. Make notes of questions to ask, and options to consider. As you work through each chapter, write down responses to the 'Journal' questions. These notes can be helpful when you work with an academic advisor.

This guide is designed to help you work through the decision making process of selecting your major. It helps connect you to useful services and programs. It guides you to resources. It does NOT determine your major for you. It is a tool that requires a committed user.