FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

What if I don’t know who my advisor is?
Can I get a degree in Undeclared?
How do I declare a major?
Can I declare a minor while I am undeclared?
How long can I be undeclared?
What if I declare a major and later change my mind?
Am I blocked from some classes because of my undeclared status?
How do I learn more about majors I'm interested in?
What should I talk to my advisor about?
I want to talk to a faculty member in a major I'm interested in, how do I do that? What questions should I ask?
I want to talk with someone working in a field I'm interested in, how do I do that?

 

 

What if I don't know who my advisor is?
To find out who your advisor is, use DSIS. Enter your Student ID#, PIN# (the default is your 6-digit date of birth, MM/DD/YY) and campus, and click "Connect." Then select "Academic Program." If you've been assigned an advisor, the name will be listed in the upper right.  Or you can call Advising Services at 207-780-4040, 1-800-800-4USM ext. 4040 or stop in to 119 Payson Smith Hall on the Portland campus and we will be happy to tell you who your advisor is.

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Can I get a degree in Undeclared?
You can be undeclared while you explore degree programs; however, you will graduate with a degree in a specific area of study.  Check out  your USM Catalog to see all of the programs from which you can choose.

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How do I declare a major?
Tell your advisor which program you plan to pursue, check your catalog to make sure you have met any prerequisite or grade point average requirements, and your advisor will complete a Declaration of Major form.

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Can I declare a minor while I am undeclared?
Yes you can! Make sure you consult your USM catalog to see the programs that offer minors. Check your catalog, and inform your advisor of any minor you are interested in. It may simply be a matter of filling out a Minor application form.

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How long can I be undeclared?
It's best to have an idea of what you want to major in by the time you have 45 credits.  If you are still unclear, try taking HRDX 220, Focus:  College to Careers, which is a 3 credit course designed for students with over 45 credits.  The course assists students with some in-depth career and self-exploration.

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What if I declare a major and later change my mind?
You can return to your undeclared status by asking your current advisor to complete a declaration of major form.  If you have a new major in mind other than undeclared, tell your advisor.

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Am I blocked from some classes because of my undeclared status?
Some classes are designated for students within a particular major. Check your catalog, the current semester schedule, or the course course search website on USM Homepage to find out if you are eligible to take a class you are interested in.

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How do I learn more about majors I'm interested in?
Talk to other students and faculty teaching within the major, your advisor, or visit the Career and Professional Life Development department and ask about their online access for learning more about majors.

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What should I talk to my advisor about?
Click here for a list of topics to discuss with your advisor.

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I want to talk to a faculty member in a major I'm interested in,how do I do that? What questions should I ask?
Talk with your advisor or someone from Career Services  to learn about informational interviews.

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I want to talk with someone working in a field I'm interested in, how do I do that?
Contact your professors, advisors, friends, family, or Career Services to ask if they know anyone working in a specific field.  Once you have a contact, call that person and ask for an informational interview.

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