Advising Undeclared: Open Path Program Students

Steps for Supporting Students in the Undeclared: Open Path Program 

  • Explore Interests
  • Course Selection
  • Referral 

Fall Semester

September - Introductory Meeting:

  • Build rapport and help students develop a plan for exploring their interests
  • Explain Nazareth Core Curriculum and how it can aid in major exploration

October - Course Selection:

  • Helps students plan appropriately and introduce Integrative Studies
  • Provide referral to career coach or faculty in interest area
  • Encourage student to register for CDL*101 (Exploring Self, Majors, & Careers) in spring semester if not already taken

November - Follow-Up:

  • Follow-up with student about referral to campus resource
  • Offer information about active exploration strategies: SPARK grant program, job shadowing, informational interviewing

Spring Semester

January - Check-In:

  • Meet to check in on status of major exploration and first semester referral
  • Help student integrate information that has been collected; interests, aptitudes/skills, values
  • Provide second referral for career coaching or to faculty in interest area if appropriate

March - Course Selection:

  • Discuss Integrative Studies options
  • Encourage participation in Experiential Learning that will aid in exploration
  • Support students while they make decisions

Resources

Academic Advisement: Exploring Majors

Exploring Majors - Access the Declaration/Change of Major Form; link to Nazareth resources such as the Majors page, the Academic Programs section of the Undergraduate Catalog, and the Center for Life’s Work. 

Center for Life's Work: Career Coaching

Career Coaching - The Center for Life’s Work offers career coaching services to ALL students. Refer students to a coach based on an area of interest, or suggest they make an appointment with the career coach for undeclared students. Students can schedule appointments using Handshake.

NACADA Resources: Undecided and Exploratory Students

NACADA Resources - Learn about styles of advising; browse literature focused on different types of exploratory students; connect students to career exploration resources and assessment tools such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*NET, and Career One Stop.