NACADA Webinar: Advising Undecided / Undeclared Students for Success

Date: November 18, 2009

Location: Perry Dining Room, Alumni House

Networking: 1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.          

Webinar: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

NACADA Description of Webinar     (registration instructions below)

Academic advisors face the challenge of reaching and retaining the undecided/exploratory student on each of our campuses. As official guides of the educational journey, it is customary to encounter the student who begins college without a clear direction. It is also common to work with an advisee who charts their course, but after facing roadblocks or detours, realizes that an alternative route is necessary. According to several researchers (Cuseo, 2002, Frost, 1991, Titley & Titley, 1980), the number of students who experience academic indecision may be far greater than those formally identified by the institution as undecided, since many students in declared majors lack certainty with their chosen field of study. It is estimated that in reality, 75% of all students entering college are actually undecided about their academic and career plans (Cuseo, 2005). Without the right support system in place, major indecision can negatively impact enrollment behavior since research indicates that a students commitment to academic and career goals is one of the strongest factors associated with persistence to graduation (Wyckoff, 1999).

As academic advisors, we are positioned to empower each student at the onset of their educational journey. To be most effective, advisors must implement specific methods adapted from the career development field to effectively guide the major selection process. Critical navigation tools include assisting the student to identify their unique strengths, interests and values, and connecting these to viable academic options and promising careers. By utilizing this developmental approach, advisors will have the greatest impact on student success, directly affecting satisfaction and retention.

Join Kathleen Shea Smith (2008-2010 Undecided/Exploratory Commission Chair) and David Spight (former Undecided/Exploratory Commission Chair) in this online broadcast as they:

* Present the relevant research and literature regarding undecided students and the major selection process

* Examine major changing behavior and discuss the pressures students face to decide early

* Review Virginia Gordons Exploration Process Model which includes Self-Knowledge, Educational Knowledge, Occupational Knowledge and Decision-Making Knowledge

* Offer practical, hands-on tools advisors can use to facilitate the Exploration Process Model framework and help each student declare their major with confidence!

* Highlight exemplary programs from institutions across the country that can be modified to meet the needs of students on your campus!

To Register: Start at the GVSU Homepage, go to the Faculty and Staff  tab, click "Seminars and Workshops" and log-in.  Under Categories, choose Webinars and "Sign Up".

Please note that a follow-up discussion for this Webinar will take place on December 2nd, from 1-2:30 p.m. in KC 2266.  There is a separate sign up for the discussion in the same location as the Webinar sign up.