Declaring and Pursuing an Undergraduate Major: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester

• Updated: June 2012
• Primary Contact : Suzanne Bardouche

All degree-seeking undergraduate students are required to declare a major or be admitted into a program before or upon the completion of 60 semester credits. Once a student has completed 60 credits, or earlier if programmatically warranted, an “adviser hold” will be placed on the student’s record, preventing the student from registering for additional classes until the student has declared a major or been admitted to a program.

1. Colleges determine the process by which students declare a major or gain admission to a degree program .
2. Departments set the academic standards for declaring and being allowed to enter a major in the field.
3. Department standards are subject to college review and approval. Department, college and campus standards for declaring a major are subject to review and approval by the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost or the Vice President for Health Sciences, as appropriate.

Exclusions

This policy is not applicable to the Duluth campus.

Undergraduate degree-seeking students are admitted to the University to pursue an undergraduate degree. The University expects students to complete their degrees in a timely manner, and declaring a major is a fundamental part of this progression. This policy exists to promote timely intervention by advisers that will guide students toward majors that suit their talents and interests. To make the best use of students’ resources, as well as University resources, students are not allowed to continue registering for courses indefinitely without having a formal plan for completing a degree.

There are no procedures related to this policy.

There are no forms related to this policy.

Academic Major

A student's main field of specialization during his or her undergraduate or graduate studies. The major is recorded on the student's transcript.

Academic Minor

A student's declared secondary field of study or specialization during his or her undergraduate or graduate studies. A minor typically consists of a set of courses that meet specified guidelines and is designed to allow a sub-major concentration in an academic discipline or in a specific area in or across disciplines. The minor is recorded on the student's transcript.

There are no responsibilities related to this policy.

• Changing college or major page on One Stop

• Declaring an Undergraduate Major: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester FAQ

• Administrative Policy: Holds on Records and Registration: Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, Rochester

Amended:

June 2012 - Major Revision, Comprehensive Review, Policy now specifically states that an advisor hold may be placed on a student record, even prior to the completion of 60 credits if the student is not satisfactorily progressing toward a degree.

Amended:

January 2011 - Title modified to "Declaring an Undergraduate Major" from "Declaring a Major".

Amended:

August 2010 - Added questions 2-4 to Frequently Asked Questions.

Amended:

December 2009 - Policy now applies to Crookston.

Effective:

April 2009