Grand Valley State University will hold its fifth annual Majors Fair Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help increase student success in selecting a major. The event will be held in the Grand River Room of the Kirkhof Center and will have stations for each major on campus with faculty, staff and alumni who are connected to those majors there to advise students in the selection and narrowing process.

“It is a great opportunity for someone who has not decided on a major or is trying to decide between two or three majors to talk with the experts in those areas,” said Michael Messner, director of the Student Academic Success Center. “It is also a great way for someone who has decided on a major … to learn about the major and opportunities for research, internships, study abroad opportunities, etc.”

Included in this year’s fair, service offices from around campus will have tables set up giving students an opportunity to learn about High Impact Experiences. These experiences include the learning community, common intellectual experiences, opportunities for undergraduate research, opportunities for study abroad, service learning and community-based learning opportunities, internships and capstone courses, among other programs.

“High Impact Learning Experiences are experiences and practices, which increase student engagement and thus contribute to retention,” said Sulari White, director for the pre-major advising program. “In addition, these experiences give students the competitive edge needed for employment and graduate school admissions.”

A total of 1,108 students have attended the fair since January 2007. Messner said the student surveys have been very positive at the fairs and many students were able to get answers for their questions during the fair.

“It’s very helpful for students to make the initial contacts with professional advisers and faculty,” said Nancy Giardina, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs. “Successful students use all of their support services to get the structural and academic support that they need.”

As a part of these resources, the Student Academic Success Center, previously known as the Advising Resources and Special Programs Unit, advises pre-major students who are searching for a major. At GVSU, students are encouraged to choose a potential major by the first semester of their sophomore year and have definitively decided by the second semester, Giardina said.

“That’s one of the reasons why the Majors Fair was created: to help students who are trying to declare a major and find the best career fit and for students who are changing majors,” she said. “The sooner you can declare, the better, but don’t just declare a major to declare a major.”

Students are encouraged to bring any questions they have about certain majors to the fair. There will also be informational questions given out at the check-in desk.

“This format provides an informal way for students to engage with faculty members to discuss major choices and future career opportunities,” White said. “It provides a one-stop opportunity for students to find out about different majors at GVSU and the career paths that these majors can lead to.”

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