Majors on Main

Students who will soon graduate from the University of Delaware's two-year Associate in Arts Program at one of its three campuses statewide had the opportunity on Friday, March 16, to explore the resources available on the Newark campus, where they can complete a bachelor's degree.

About 150 students attended the event, called Majors and Minors on Main, at Trabant University Center. They were able to listen to two panel discussions and to stop by an assortment of displays in the student center, where they could speak to faculty and staff members about choosing a major and other aspects of campus life.

A faculty panel discussed various majors available in UD's colleges, and a student panel shared information about the NUCLEUS (Network of Undergraduate Collaborative Learning Experiences for Underrepresented Scholars) academic-support program. The UD Career Services Center, Student Financial Services and the Office of Service Learning were among the other programs offering information at the event.

Activities were designed specifically for the approximately 240 students expecting to complete the Associate in Arts Program this spring or summer and transition to the Newark campus in the fall. After receiving their associate degree, they will begin their junior year and declare a major.

One of those available to assist students at the event was Ramona Wilson, senior administrative assistant in the Undergraduate Programs Office. Having a "Majors and Minors Fair" as the highlight of the day, she said, "is wonderful [because] the students can ask questions about different majors. It is very helpful to them."

The Associate in Arts Program operates in each of Delaware's three counties, with classes held in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown. The program includes small class sizes and other features designed to ensure academic success.

Students take regular UD courses taught by University faculty, with the class work selected to fulfill not just requirements for an associate degree but also the core requirements for majors leading to a bachelor's degree.

Students attending the March 16 event said they had found the Associate in Arts Program beneficial.

Anthony Rivers from Bear, Del., said, "The classes are smaller, the teachers know your name, and advisers help you." Rivers is currently undecided about his major but is considering an international business or computer science major once he begins classes in Newark.

"When I look back, I'm glad," Kevin Fetters of Wilmington, Del., said of the past two years. "It's like a buffer to help you figure out what you actually want to do, and you're getting the education you need."

Gift card recipients

Two students who attended Majors and Minors on Main were presented $75 Barnes and Noble gift cards, courtesy of the UD Career Services Center, for participating. They are Tasheeka Stroud, a student in the Dover program, and Gabe Spadaccini, a student in the Wilmington program.