Deciding on a Major

Students are strongly encouraged to make a decision on a major by their Sophomore year. Students who decide on a major by this time will not be behind in most majors, and usually will graduate within 4 years. A very few majors, such as Elementary Education, Nursing, premedical/predental studies do have requirements that will take longer to complete if the programs are not begun in the freshman year.

The Academic Advising Center

The Academic Advising Center advises all undecided students. Each student is assigned an academic advisor who helps in the selection of courses and exploration of majors. Academic advisors are familiar with all of the majors at Xavier and can help undecided students choose courses that will fulfill the core curriculum and lead to a decision on a major. A Career Opportunities Forum is held during the freshman year to provide these students an opportunity to gather as much information as possible in their search of a major and/or a career.

The Advising Center provides academic assistance to students with various needs. Students are encouraged to use the University's Writing Center, Mathematics and Computer Labs and departmental tutoring programs to improve or enhance skills in specific areas. Students who need to improve their reading and/or study skills are also encouraged to take the Efficient Reading & Study Skills courses which are listed under Psychology in the Schedule of Classes each semester.

Career Services Center (CSC)

The Career Services Center provides essential career development, job search and job success information and education. Students can use the resources of the center to learn more about themselves and their career direction. Career services has a number of assessment instruments that help students evaluate their interests, values, abilities, strengths and experiences to determine how these relate to specific majors and careers. Students meet with a counselor to interpret the results of these assessments and learn how to utilize various resources including the career library, FOCUS program and the Alumni Career Advising Service in determining their career choice.

Counselors also assist students in developing necessary job search skills including résumé writing, interviewing, employer identification and research. The career services center sponsors the Professional Experience Program for students interested in part-time or summer work experience related to their career interest area. This office also manages the on-campus employment and Community Service Jobs Program for financial aid awarded students. Additional services include on-campus interviews, résumé referral, a web-based job database and a yearly Employment Fair.