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Open Option Program in the School of Culture & Society
The Open Option Program in the School of Culture & Society is designed for those entering students who are undecided about their major, but think they may want to major in one or more programs within the School of Culture & Society. Students in Open Option choose courses that fulfill requirements in the Liberal Learning Curriculum as well as courses in areas they are interested in exploring as possible majors.
In addition to the entering freshmen, there are also students in transition that may choose Open Option. This second smaller group usually consists of upper level students that came in a specific major, most often in a School other than the School of Culture & Society, but decide to switch into the School of Culture & Society to explore a major in that school. They remain Open Option until they complete the required foundation courses or are accepted in the new major.
- Majors in the School School of Culture & Society
(Create a link to a list of all possible majors?)
Liberal Learning Guide
Culture & Society Open Options Four Year Course Sequence Microsoft Word Document
CUL 099: Culture & Society Orientation
Open Options in the School of Culture and Society
Entering freshmen:
This is the most populated group. Approximately 25% of incoming freshmen enroll in the Open Options Culture and Society program. The preliminary numbers for fall 2007 appear to be even higher.
June Orientation –Registration for Entering Open Option Culture and Society Students:
- Students will receive a June Orientation Packet from the Orientation Committee in Records and Registration
- On their assigned registration day, students and parents will meet the Assistant Dean who will give an overview of the program.
- Assistant Dean will also advise and assist students in the registration process.
- Students will also register for the Open Option Orientation class: (add link)
Advisement for Open Option Students in the School of Culture and Society: (Should this be a separate link?)
Assistant Dean as Academic Advisor
Assistant Dean serves as academic advisor to undeclared students within the School of Culture and Society. AD offers advice on course selection helps with registration and facilitates entry in major. Academic advisor also establishes and evaluates academic goals, assists in understanding and navigating university policies and procedures, and connecting with other university programs and resources.
Assistant Dean provides two types of advising: Group and One-on-One advising. Most of the advising is one-on-one basis and in the Assistant Dean’s office. However, there are certain factors that are presented in the Open Option Orientation Class.
One on One Advising:
- Prior to registration: Review schedule, course load, update program planners
- Throughout the semester: explore career goals, provide most updated brochures and fliers from prospective departments.
- Recommend that they meet with department chairs and/or pre-major advisors of prospective major.
- Recommend that they meet with staff members in Career Services to discuss and review career possibilities and goals.
Group Advising This occurs during the 10 week Orientation class (link syllabus fall 2006)
Each Orientation class, in addition to the faculty member/academic adviser, also has a Peer Adviser. Peer advisers are former Open Options s students who have successfully made the transition into one or more majors. Peer Advisers serve as mentors and also assist students in selecting courses during registration periods.
