Declaring, changing or deleting majors (and minors)
After you have discussed your choices for an academic major with your advisor(s) and others, you can declare a first (or even second) major by completing the appropriate paperwork.
To declare or change a minor:
- Obtain a “Minor Declaration Form” from the Registrar (see the wheel of forms).
- Work with your advisor/department to list the classes for the minor accurately.
- List all required classes on the form. Plan to take these.
- Include remaining courses. The following options will help everyone:
- List the credits beside each class. Make sure you have the required number.
- You can list a class option as either XXX or XXX, to maintain flexibility.
- Make sure you understand any “alternate year classes” and plan accordingly.
- Obtain your advisor and Department Chair signatures.
- Return the form to the Registrar’s office. This is your responsibility!
- Save your paperwork! You need to know exactly which courses you selected!
- Declared minors appear on your degree audit form.
Important note: Majors are cleared (given permission to graduate)
by Departments, but not until the last term of your college career. Be absolutely sure that
you understand and complete all requirements (including the departmental comprehensive assessment)
in a timely manner. You may want to “pre-audit your major” with appropriate personnel.
Minors
Minors are not required to graduate (except in the case of teacher
certification programs), but the minor offers a possible opportunity to
broaden your qualifications. That being said, you can always explain your particular combination of
courses in a cover letter or application essay, so a formal minor may not be required for your
purposes.
A minor disadvantage. Sometimes a student becomes so determined to complete a minor (for its "resume" value) that they miss out on other, more useful opportunities. Keep your options open as you determine if a minor is the best plan for you.
The minor form. Minor declaration forms require a listing of the exact classes you will be completing. Most minors have many electives, so the minor form doubles as the departmental approval form. Students often defer minor declaration until they are more certain which classes they will complete by graduation.
After your final term the Registrar checks all minor forms in your official folder.
- If you have completed all classes, your minor will be granted/listed on transcript.
- If you made an unofficial substitution, it could interfere with prompt approval.
- To delete a minor, talk to the Registrar. Your updated note will negate the minor.
