Many students go through their first two years of college undecided as to what major to choose. But instead of settling, Fairfield University is giving its students another alternative.
This year, students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences were allowed the opportunity to design their own major. This option is almost unknown to members of the university community.
“I had no idea that it could be done here at Fairfield,” said Justine Simon ’05. “I do think it’s a good idea though if your major is not offered. It’s always good to know that your options are open.”
Both Dr. Timothy Snyder, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Thomas Regan, S.J., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, are excited about the new program. “I love the option and hope that we can continue to support it,” said Snyder. “Part of that hope rests in a sense that not too many students will take the option and that they remain with our established programs. The option should be considered in special cases.”
Academic Vice President Orin Grossman agrees. “I strongly support the option. I don’t think it would be for every student, but there will definitely be some strongly motivated students with very special interests who will benefit from this.”
Dr. Vincent Rosivach, director of classical studies, and Beverly Kahn, the former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, are responsible for making this available to students. The two worked in conjunction last year to formulate ideas and seek the final approval necessary before it could be offered.
Rosivach and Kahn had two intentions when putting together the Individually Designed Major.
“This would allow students to take a minor such as classical studies or women’s studies and with the proper guidance, shape it into a well designed major,” said Rosivach. Students can also design a major that exists at other schools but is not currently offered at Fairfield University or choose a unique subject matter that can be made into a coherent major.
“This might be one way for students interested in areas that we do not, in the structure of the institution, link together into a shared program to create a special major,” said Grossman.
Regan agrees. “This new option provides the motivated student with the possibility to put together a program which fits his or her needs in a way that is not currently addressed by the structure of existing majors.”
There are currently six students enrolled in the program. Two are in the class of 2002, two are in the class of 2003 and two in the class of 2004.
One student, Lindsay MacDonald ’04, is designing an Environmental Studies major. “It is a combination of environmental studies and environmental science with some international studies and business classes thrown in,” she said.
The individually designed major provides great opportunity to students but involves a detailed application process and further responsibilities on the student when and if accepted.
“The application process was not difficult at all with the help of my advisor, Lisa Newton, director of environmental studies. Once I organized which classes I needed to take, the application process was pretty simple,” MacDonald said.
“The most difficult part was that I really needed to look into the importance of my major and why I was basing my college education on this area of study. Most people have some idea of how their major will help them in the future but by designing my own, I really had to consider my future goals.”
One problem that could arise is if too many students choose this new course of action. “Should a significant number of students select the option, we will have difficulty meeting their needs administratively,” said Snyder. “But, in that case, we will have a clear message that perhaps our program offerings are not sufficient for our students, and we would respond to that.”
“The individually designed major currently appears in the catalog for the first time,” said Regan. “I have no further plans to advertise it.” Nor does Snyder.
A designed major cannot be a variant of another major already offered by the university. “This stipulation exists to prevent students from purposely avoiding certain classes that are necessary for a designated major,” explained Rosivach.
To be eligible for participation, a student must have a GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of application, usually in the second semester of his/her sophomore year. Each participant must be supervised by two faculty advisors who volunteer their time.
Once the proposed major is approved, the student must keep a portfolio and meet with his/her advisors each semester to review and see if any changes have to be made. If changes are suggested, the application must once again be reviewed for acceptance.
A senior project is required, either in the form of a seminar, supervised lab, or internship. A final self-assessment must be submitted for review as a requirement for graduation.
Interested students can inquire and pick up an application from the office of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in Canisius 100.
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