Center for Academic Success and Campus Partners Guide Students from Exploration to Declaration
Monday, November 9, 2026
Students networking at the Major Exploration and Declaration Expo.
The Center for Academic Success (CAS) continues to champion the academic journey of first-year students who have yet to declare a major by offering tailored support through the CORE 1001: University Life course and a series of engagement initiatives. All first-year students entering as undecided are enrolled in a specialized cohort section of University Life, which includes participation in a virtual speaker series.
The speaker series provides students with valuable opportunities to interact with faculty, staff and administrators from a wide range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds. These conversations are designed to help students discover their academic interests, learn more about the university's academic programs and begin exploring potential career paths. This semester, students engaged with representatives from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, Stillman School of Business, College of Nursing and the Pre-Professional Advising Center, gaining firsthand insight into academic opportunities and career pathways within each area.
Students pose with their Student Success Advisor, Professor Zoe Blackwell.
By connecting students with academic and industry experts early in their collegiate experience, CAS continues to support undecided students as they build confidence in their decision-making process and take meaningful steps toward identifying a major that aligns with their interests, strengths and future goals.
In partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, the Career Center and the Office of the Registrar, the (CAS) also hosts a biannual Major Exploration and Declaration Expo, an initiative designed to support students as they explore academic options and make informed decisions about their majors and minors. Held each fall and spring semester, the expo brings together representatives from every academic college across the university, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn about academic programs, career pathways and campus resources in one centralized setting.
The most recent expo, held on October 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., welcomed 298
student attendees. Students engaged in meaningful conversations with faculty members,
academic advisors and professional staff from the CAS, the Career Center, the Pre-Professional
Advising Center and each of the university's academic colleges. In addition to exploring
potential academic pathways, students were given the opportunity to officially declare
a major or minor on-site, with immediate processing and approval provided by the Registrar's
Office. The event continues to serve as a valuable resource for students seeking clarity,
confidence and support in shaping their academic and career goals.
According to post-event survey results, the Major Exploration and Declaration Expo had a positive impact on students’ academic exploration. Among respondents, 44% connected with a faculty member in their intended major, 56% engaged with the Pre-Professional Advising Center and 89% reported that the expo increased their knowledge of their intended major at Seton Hall. The next Major Exploration and Declaration Expo is scheduled for March 2027.
These initiatives reflect Seton Hall University's ongoing commitment to helping undecided students explore academic opportunities, connect with campus resources and make informed, confident decisions about their educational and career goals.
Categories: Campus Life, Community Engagement, Education
