Summarize the key advising information that students considering or declared in this program should know.
Explain how and why is this an exciting, relevant and valuable field of study for both the possibilities of an advanced degree, and using skills and experiences for nonacademic careers.
Names and contact information for specific advisors and others may be used, but keep in mind that this section is only updated once a year, when the Guide is published on June 1. Registrar’s Office exceptions to this are rare. They do not recommended putting addresses, emails, telephone numbers, etc. in the text here. Instead, use the Contact Information box, which is also visible on all sections of your academic program.
Starfish. — Advisors can provide their direct Starfish page link in the Contact Information box.
Guide Coordinator for
L&S Undergraduate Nongoverned Content
Meg Hamel
meg.hamel@wisc.edu
chat on Teams
The Guide’s How to Get In sections show the governed preconditions needed (if any) before the program may be declared. The Advising and Careers section should show information about the steps needed to declare. It’s okay to point to your unit’s website for this process, if it is well detailed there. Use the following text as the very first item on the Advising and Careers page:
Declare or Cancel This Major [Header 3 level]
Please follow the process described on the Pastry Studies website.
If you direct students to your unit’s website, confirm that the page clearly lists the process that students take to declare and cancel this major.
- consult with someone first? who? how?
- attend an info session?
- complete a Canvas course?
- submit a form?
- do all this by a specific deadline?
- what other steps?
Units offering majors or specialized degrees have already developed “What You Can Do With Your Major” sheets with SuccessWorks, so use that information to showcase the relevance of the skills learned this program, and some of the fields, industries, or careers pursued by your alumni. Pick a sample showing the breadth of possibilities, and the flexibility built into this program.
Avoid a broad list of general sectors that doesn’t show the relationship between this academic program’s specific learning outcomes and future careers (“this major prepares students for careers in nonprofits, education, heath care, government, marketing, business, and law.”) Similarly, don’t just state “this program prepares students for a wide range of careers.”
Every undergraduate program includes a standard block of text from SuccessWorks at the bottom of the Advising and Careers tab. This is reviewed every year by the L&S Guide Coordinator and SuccessWorks.
Study Abroad
The College of Letters & Science recommends study-abroad experiences for undergraduate students, when it fits their academic plan and resources.
If your unit has developed a “Major Advising Page” with International Academic Programs, add a link to that page. Talk about specific ways a study abroad experience may enhance this academic program, or advising factors that students should consider like course sequences or availability.
If your unit has not yet developed a Major Advising Page for your major, certificate, or specialized degree, contact Meg Hamel (meg.hamel@wisc.edu) who will help you connect with the right person in International Academic Programs.