Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its annual majors and minors fair for first- and second-year students on Oct. 6. The event, which was hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Academic Success Center (ASC), included 27 majors and minors represented across tables in the Betty R. Tipton Room.

In addition to new students hoping to learn more about areas of study, upper-level Eastern students and professors advocating for their programs also attended. Representatives included teachers’ assistants, department chairs and professors. “It’s important for students to figure out what they want to do with their professional careers. This is the first step toward that,” said Nora Ammouche, treasurer of the SGA. Ammouche, who organized the event, hopes that students feel supported by the SGA. “It’s important for SGA to help the students.”

With the tables spread to maintain social distancing protocols, students flowed freely from table to table to hear more about programs and credit requirements. “I found it really informative and helpful,” said Skylar Mink, a first-year student majoring in computer science. Looking to pursue a double major in English, Mink appreciated having all of the credits laid out for her.

Varsha Khemai, a fellow first-year student majoring in political science, found the departments to be welcoming and friendly. Like her peer, Khemai is looking to double major, and found that the ASC and SGA produced an informative and inviting environment for students. “It’s nice to have the presentation because I can look at a lot of information at once.”  

The ASC, which works diligently to serve Eastern students, collaborated with SGA to produce this event. “We don’t want students to feel stress or anxiety, we have this fair so that they can have the facts and information,” said Katherine Atkinson, student development specialist in the ASC. “Our exploratory students can learn as much about the majors as they can and ask as many questions as they can.” Along with this event, the ASC spends the academic year reaching out to students and providing them with resources to help guide their academic path.

Included in the ASC’s services are academic advising, the Mathematics Achievement Center, subject-specific tutoring, and the Writing Center. Members of the ASC will be visiting first-year students during their first-year introductory courses (FYI) to explain the Eastern in Four plan. The plan, which students use to plan their classes at Eastern, helps them reach the goal of graduating in four years, said Atkinson. "That's the key; support is the key for success.”